Bell-Drummond form points way for Northeast
INJURY is perhaps not the momentum-killer it is presumed to be after Daniel Bell-Drummond, in his first appearance for three weeks, drilled his maiden T20 century to lift Kent over Surrey last week.
And Spitfires skipper Sam Northeast admits his return to action is timely indeed after being left agape by the England Lions opener’s superb knock.
Northeast expects to have Lions pair Bell-Drummond and Sam Billings available for tonight’s clash with Essex, as the battle to fill the remaining three quarter-finals spots from the South Division – alongside a rampant Gloucestershire – comes to a head.
And four victories in their last five Blast games has ensured that Kent, who have played a game more than their nearest rivals, are still in with a shout.
However, if Bell-Drummond continues where he left off it should be plain sailing – the 22-year-old, who had been suffering with a hand injury, turned Surrey’s pace into an advantage after making an unbeaten 112 from just 65 balls.
“Deebs has been playing like that all season,” admitted Northeast, who is also in some form after hitting a firstclass 190 against Sussex earlier this week. “He was in such good form before he unfortunately was injured for those weeks, but he came back in to produce one of the best knocks I’ve ever seen.
“Hopefully the selectors see what he’s capable of for the Lions, and he can show everyone just how good a player he is – he is properly talented.
“We are hoping to have Deebs and Sam come back for the game, the ECB have given us the all clear so that’s a positive and won’t leave us so short.
“We’ve got a squad of 20, though, and whether or not anyone is away with England commitments we have our own expectations of those coming into the side and back ourselves to win.”
Kent have unfinished business in the Blast, topping the South Group last year only to tie their quarter-final with eventual winners Lancashire Lightning and bow out on more wickets lost.
Essex could put the halt to their charge tonight as they have won seven of their last eight Blast games over the Spitfires – but Northeast has the utmost faith in his team.
“It’s been about momentum and playing with confidence – and that’s what is required in T20 because you’ve got to be clearing the ropes, playing all different kinds of shots and nailing your yorkers,” said Northeast, whose side will wave goodbye to South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada when he returns to international duty next week.
“That takes self-belief and winning does that, like we did last year when we just kept going until the business end of the competition.”
Elsewhere tonight, sixth-place Surrey will be looking to Jason Roy at the Kia Oval after the England opener hit 109 in their first encounter with Sussex Sharks earlier this year in Hove.
Colin Ingram hit his T20 best, 96, with victory over Somerset last year and another win over Matt Maynard’s men would all but seal Glamorgan’s place in the quarter-finals.
And if Middlesex are to keep their hopes alive against Hampshire, they must be wary of Liam Dawson – 12 of the all-rounder’s 14 wickets in this year’s competition have been of topfour batsmen.