SPITFIRES FACE TWO MUST-WIN GAMES
Adam Milne hopes his recordbreaking onslaught with the ball at Somerset on Saturday will give Kent the momentum they need to book a quarter-final spot in NatWest T20 Blast.
The Kiwi quick claimed a superb 5-11 from his 3.5-over turn on his comeback from a thigh injury which had sidelined him for the previous two weeks.
The win kept Kent’s hopes alive in the competition and they know that another victory at Essex tonight (Thursday) and at home to Surrey on Friday night will ensure a top-four finish in the fiercely competitive South Group.
Milne said: “It was special to get five out there and even better for the team to get the win. It was an important one. We’ve got two more must-win games but this certainly gives the boys a lot of confidence to take into them.
“It’s lovely to come back from injury and pick up some wickets. It’s always tough being out injured and watching the team go through some ups and downs but I’m back and hopefully we can get on a roll.
“We’ve got a good all-round side, we’ve got a lot of quality batters and some skilled bowlers and we’re hoping in these last two games we can pick up a couple of wins.
“If we can it would be almost a perfect position to be going into the knockouts with three wins on the trot – it’s exactly how you want to lead into it.”
He added: “The quad is still a little bit tight but the next game is not until Thursday so we’ve got a decent break. I’ll do a bit of rehab on it and hopefully be firing again for Thursday.
“I’ve heard a lot of things about travelling to play Essex at Chelmsford but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“We had a cracker of a game against Surrey at the Oval earlier in the season too, so I’m excited about that. It’ll be a huge challenge.”
Saturday’s win was Kent’s eighth straight at Taunton – a ground notorious for being batting-friendly – and Milne admitted: “I haven’t played here before but all the boys said watch-out, it should be a good wicket with some small boundaries.
“I’m pleased to come away with some good figures – I can’t remember going for less than 11 before – and ultimately win the game.
“With wickets either side of the pitch, the ball broke up quickly and we were able to get it reversing and that’s always helpful at the end for taking wickets.”
Kent only arrived in Taunton at 3.30am, having travelled from Canterbury through the night after Friday night’s defeat at home to Hampshire.