Denly: Tour match is a good test
Joe Denly is hoping to make a big impact with the bat when the county host Pakistan this weekend for a four-day, first-class fixture at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, writes Mark Pennell.
It will be the 12th time Kent have welcomed Pakistan to Canterbury and Denly, who spent much of February and March starring for the Karachi Kings in this year’s Pakistan Super League T20 tournament, is keen to kickstart his season.
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“I see the game against Pakistan as a great opportunity, not only for myself, but for the entire Kent side,” said the former England one-day batsman. “It’s a chance to test yourself against an international-class line up and give yourself a thorough exam as to where you are in your career as a player. If you can perform well in a game like this, then there’s no doubt you’ll take a lot of confidence from it moving forward.”
Denly, who scored three 50s whilst playing alongside tourists Mohammad Amir and Babar Azam for Karachi, added: “They are quality players and I’m looking forward to catching up with them this week. I loved my time out at the PSL and enjoyed finding some decent form.
“I have to admit that I haven’t spent too much time out in the middle for Kent so far this season. So it’ll be nice if I can reverse that trend over the four days. I’ll be looking to get a big score under my belt for sure and spend as much time out there as I can.
“I know from personal experience that there are some really talented guys in this Pakistan squad and our bowling unit are in for a challenging week. Likewise, when it comes to batting, we will be tested with every delivery but I hope it’s a challenge we’re all up for.”
Kent and Pakistan last met in 2010 – when Denly, as a 24-year-old opener, hit 60-odd in each innings to secure the last of Kent’s five draws against the tourists.
The county’s sole victory over Pakistan came in 1987, when Alan Igglesden’s haul of five for 60 and a fiery return of three for 52 for West Indies paceman Eldine Baptiste, helped clinch an innings and 152-run win.
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