Denly: I’m confident in my bowling
Monday 5th February 2018
Joe Denly hopes to contribute even more in 2018 by taking wickets with the ball after career-best figures against Jamaica on the FGS Plant Tour.
The Canterbury-born spinner took 4/35 including the scalp of West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell and has taken confidence from his cameos in the Bangladesh Premier League and Big Bash League this winter.
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He topped the Kent run-scoring charts in 2017 but did not get much opportunity to showcase his skills with the ball.
“The whole bowling unit contributed to a good team performance. Ivan bowled well and got some big scalps up fron with the new ball then myself and Calum were able to chip in with some wickets later on.
“I had a good opportunity to work more on my bowling in Bangladesh and Australia this winter so I feel pretty confidupent with how it’s coming out at the moment.
“Obviously my main job will be to score runs at the top of the order but hopefully I can also contribute with the ball if needed.”
The 2017 player of the year Joe Denly is delighted to be named captain for the 2018 FGS Plant Tour.
The 31-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate said: “I’m very proud to be named captain for the FGS Plant Tour. It’s nice to lead my home county as I started at Kent at a very young age and I love playing for the club.
“I’m very excited about the trip as I was unable to take part last season as I was playing club cricket in Australia and it’s great to play some competitive cricket ahead of the county season.
“I look forward to being part of the leadership group, learning the job and continuing my form from last summer.”
Denly has followed a prolific 2017 with the bat for Kent with a busy winter so far in T20 cricket around the world.
He played for Bangladesh Premier League finalists Dhaka Dynamites before a four-match spell with Sydney Sixers earlier this month.
“I had a great time in Bangladesh and Australia and I performed pretty well following on from last summer.
“The BPL and IPL are great tournaments and as close as you can get to playing international cricket.”
There will be a fresh face in the camp for the trip to the West Indies with assistant coach Allan Donald taking up his post.
“Allan is a legend of the game and I’m sure he’ll have lots of experience to share with the group.
“The fast bowlers can only benefit from his expertise and it will be nice to have fresh ideas to move the club forward.”