Thomas: I’m bowling better than ever
Friday 8th June 2018
Paceman Ivan Thomas feels he is bowling better than ever this season after his career-best 5/15 in the Second XI Championship win against Sussex at Hove last week, writes Peter Burrowes.
The Greenwich-born bowler played in three Specsavers County Championship matches but missed out on selection in the Royal London One-Day Cup run to the quarter-finals but hopes his recent form will see him shine with the red ball.
See Kent at Tunbridge Wells on June 20-23 >
The Kent Cricket Academy graduate said that spending the winter in South Africa, under the eagle eye of Kent’s assistant coach Allan Donald, one of the great fast bowlers of his era, helped him improve his bowling and confidence which had aided him to develop more this season.
The 26-year-old said: “I feel in a good place at the moment. My bowling in the Seconds last week was probably my best ever. I am disappointed it was not even more special as I should have had seven wickets but a couple of catches went down.”
It was Ivan’s third five wicket haul for the Seconds and he acknowledged the help and encouragement given to him during the game by skipper Will Gidman.
Kent’s number 5 said: “As well as playing Will is helping Min Patel with coaching. He is a really calm guy and is prepared to give the players responsibility. He let me set my own field and bowl my own way so I knew exactly where I was going to put the ball but he was always there giving advice on the field and backed the players in what they were doing.” Ivan said it was one of those days when it all came together which was very pleasing.
Another highlight of Ivan’s season so far has been playing alongside New Zealand test star Matt Henry, who is the club’s early season overseas player.
“He has been sensational for us and taken more than 50 wickets in the two competitions so far. When I was bowling he was brilliant for me when he was fielding close by and we bounced ideas off each other. It was an honour to play alongside him and learn from him.”
Ivan took three wickets for his local club Blackheath against Sandwich Town in the Shepherd Neame Kent Cricket Premier League last week but his aim this season is to establish a permanent place in the Kent first team.
“I have been around the club awhile and have reached an age when I really need to bowl at the top of my game and be consistent. I hope I can achieve that and make my mark.”
Kent welcome Warwickshire to The Nevill Ground for the 106th Tunbridge Wells Festival on Wednesday 20 June.