Haggett delighted with opening up

Kent all-rounder Calum Haggett showed his versatility by scoring a half century as an opening batsman in a joint Essex-Kent Second X1 side that defeated Durham by 74 runs in a one day friendly at Billericay on Monday.

Haggett hit 55 runs and Kent’s Adam Ball, who captained the joint team, scored 53 in their 239 all out in 49.3 overs.

“It was an enjoyable experience going in at number one”, said Haggett, “I have opened a couple of times before for the Seconds but it is not my normal position in the batting line-up. I felt comfortable in the role but was disappointed I did not go on to make a bigger score on what was a very good wicket.”

Calum played in the match purely as a batsman. “In a joint team there is plenty of talent and a lot of bowling options so it was decided I  should just  bat and not bowl.”

Durham never got to grips with reaching a winning target and were bowled out for 165 in 37.1 overs. Matt Hunn, Hugh Bernard and Adam Ball all took a wicket apiece.

The two sides meet again in a three-day friendly at the same venue starting on Tuesday (11 April) with Charlie Hartley and Imran Qayyum replacing Hunn and Bernard.

It was also likely that Sean Dickson may get some batting time in the middle during the match as he recovers from the hamstring strain that kept him out of Kent’s first championship match of the season against Gloucestershire.