Counting on Linde to shine

Matt Walker hopes Kent’s South African international all-rounder George Linde will be able to show his full potential this summer. Linde joined Kent on a twoyear deal last summer but arrived with a knock. There were glimpses of what he could do - a 264-run fifthwicket partnership against a Sri Lanka Development XI with all-rounder Darren Stevens the highlight although Linde never quite hit top form.

But the 31-year-old has scored more than 150 runs, including a 63 not out and scores of

42 and 33, across a 10-match period this winter in his native country amid a consistent run of contributions with either bat or ball.

His best winter bowling figures of 3-23 in a 50-over match are supported by 2-23 and 2-25 in recent T20 games.

Kent head coach Walker is encouraged by what he’s seen and believes Linde cannot wait to begin another English summer campaign.

He said: “Last year, it was a big move.

“Yes, he was our overseas player but it was a big move and he’d just lost his South African contract. He came to the country and had to deal with, I suppose, the expectation of being an overseas player.

“Plus, he wasn’t 100% fit. He came with an injury which we, obviously, knew about, but probably never was quite 100%.

“He had a few things going on with his body that were troubling him. It was a difficult start but he’s a very good player - that’s why we signed him!

“I know he’s very much looking forward to coming back this year and having a better season, giving it a good crack.

“We need him to be at his best and, hopefully this year, we will get to see the best of George.”

The South African T20 League which Linde is playing in runs until mid-february.