Tredwell urges fans to back team

CAPTAIN James Tredwell has urged Kent fans to get behind the team as they prepare for a hectic few days with this week’s championship game at Chelmsford swiftly followed by a one-day trip to Sussex and the start of Tunbridge Wells Festival Week.

Kent’s dismal second-innings collapse at home to Worcestershire in LV= County Championship Division 2 last Saturday was met by a volley of disapproval from the few fans who remained to witness their lowest total in 31 years.

However, Tredwell (pictured) said: “We’re looking forward to going to Tunbridge Wells for the Festival Week. It is a lovely place to play cricket, particularly when the weather is good and the rhododendrons are out. “Canterbury is our home but it wasn’t too nice there during the last game. Kent fans are passionate and want to see the best of their team but it won’t help when they start abuse of the side.

“They have a right to do it, of course but it’s not going to help. We need their backing.”

Kent’s championship clash with Essex is due to finish on Saturday – with Kent naming an unchanged side from the defeat to Worcestershire with Daniel BellDrummond still sidelined by a side strain. On Sunday, the Spitfires are set to visit Horsham for Yorkshire Bank 40 Group A action (1.45pm) with the Netherlands heading for The Nevill Ground on Bank Holiday Monday (1.45pm) in the same competition.

Kent’s next championship game is against Leicestershire starting on Wednesday.

Tredwell, who joins up with England’s one-day squad to play New Zealand ahead of the clash with Leicester, said: “Games with Essex are always tough and Sussex are a massive side full of high quality players.

“We will have to play some top cricket to keep with them but hopefully if we can do that, we can get another result.

“Holland will want to get one over on us after we won there. It will be another good test.”

Bell-Drummond is likely to miss the Sussex game but could return at Tunbridge Wells.