Rouse: We always believed
Monday 18th June 2018
Spitfires’ wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rouse said the squad always retained belief they could reach Lord’s despite a see-saw semi-final at Worcester.
The former England Under-19 gloveman deputised for Sam Billings during England’s ODI series and proved Kent’s unlikely batting star in the Royal London Cup thriller at New Road – scoring a priceless 70 in 76 minutes that helped steady the Spitfires’ run chase that was faltering at 31 for three.
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Promoted to bat at No 5 in the order, the dependable 25-year-old joined forces with fourth-wicket partner Heino Kuhn to add 114 in 23 overs and turn the tide in favour of the visitors, who went on to secure their nerve-wracking two-wicket win with two balls to spare.
“When we had them 48 for four in their innings we backed ourselves to win it, but Worcestershire did really well to go on and score 300-odd,” said Rouse.
“We always believed that if we could keep wickets in hand we’d have an opportunity to chase down the runs. It’s why we’ve done so well in the competition, because we back our boys all the way down to the end. Heino and I were happy to sit in during that middle period, take on a bit of the pressure and take us as deep as possible.
“Sadly, neither of us quite saw it through. It would have been nice and well deserved for Heino to get us over the line because he’s been absolutely magnificent in red and white-ball cricket for us. He is a real talent and he fully deserved to win the man-of-the match award for the semi.
“He offers so much for us and not just with the bat. In the field, he throws himself around, hurls the ball in and keeps the boys going. He gives amazing encouragement on the field, which makes my life easier as the keeper, but in the dressing rooms as well. He’s just so relaxed, his character seems to simply absorb the pressure.”
Rouse will hope to extend his white-ball heroics into the Specsavers County Championship this week (Wednesday) when the county entertain leaders Warwickshire in a top-of-the-table clash at Tunbridge Wells.