Kent Messenger Maidstone

Gobsmacked by Sam’s snub

Kent cricket

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I think it’s a lame excuse. The attacks in Division 2 are good. Durham, Sussex and Notts are among the best in the country. Maybe not everyone looks at Division 2 cricket.

“I don’t really know what they are seeing or not seeing in Sam. I’m not sure if it’s that his face doesn’t fit.

“I am left scratching my head and I have no answers.”

Walker is set to miss Kent’s return to Antigua for the regional 50-over competitio­n after accepting an invitation to join England’s coaching team for February’s T20 Tri-series against Australia and New Zealand.

“I have gone 360 on it,” said Walker. “The opportunit­y originally came up quickly and the timing didn’t feel right at the time, with our trip to Antigua.

“However, after time to think on it, it’s too good an opportunit­y to turn down when you’re offered the chance to help England.

“I’ll be around for a lot of hard work with Kent before the trip and when we’re out there, mainly playing games, I have full faith in the management team to have everything under control.

“Allan Donald will be there and Min Patel, the CEO (Jamie Clifford) goes out and we have senior players like Darren Stevens, James Tredwell and Joe Denly who you can rely on. They’ll be fine without me.

“It’s a great opportunit­y for me to learn and just like players do, I want to further myself.

“It’s good for the club’s profile too and I am looking forward to it. Hopefully, I can bring back some new ideas.”

Kent bowler of the year Darren Stevens and spinner James Tredwell have both signed a contract extension to keep them at the county for the 2018 season.

 ?? Picture: andy Clay ?? Kent’s 2017 award winners, from left: Sean Dickson (best fielder), Alice Davidson-Richards (women’s player, bowler and batsman of the year), Joe Denly (batsman and player of the year), Phoebe Franklin (best fielder) and Darren Stevens (bowler of the...
Picture: andy Clay Kent’s 2017 award winners, from left: Sean Dickson (best fielder), Alice Davidson-Richards (women’s player, bowler and batsman of the year), Joe Denly (batsman and player of the year), Phoebe Franklin (best fielder) and Darren Stevens (bowler of the...

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