Three new scholars in Kent Cricket Academy 2014/15

Monday 3rd November 2014

Three new scholars in Kent Cricket Academy 2014/15
Kent Cricket Academy started its twelfth year by welcoming scholars for their induction and squad photos at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on Sunday.

Three new scholars were included in a nine-strong group: Folkestone leg-spinner Jan Gray (15), wicketkeeper Oliver Robinson (16) and seamerBen Stock (16).

Hoping to follow the growing crop of homegrown talent of Adam Riley, Sam Billings and Joe Denly into the first team, the group impressed in county performance teams and club cricket to earn the call-up.

The pathway from Academy to first team is clear: Academy gloveman Ryan Daviesand pace prospect Sam Weller earned pro contracts this summer after excelling as scholars.
The seamers will work with former England stars Mark Ealham and Martin Saggers at the Academy based atThe Spitfire Ground, St Lawrencewith an outdoor centre at Polo Farm and new facilities at The County Ground, Beckenham.
Former England bowler Min Patel will work with the spinners and Darren Scott to continue developing the county's spin talent and high performance director Simon Willis will oversee the programme with first team coaches.
Former Kent wicketkeeper Willis said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the players to learn from professional coaches and continue their development.
“It is a challenge to combine cricket with their studies but they will have plenty of support from the staff to fulfil the promise they have shown so far.”
KENT CRICKET ACADEMY SCHOLARS 2014/15
  • Wicketkeeper Oliver Robinson, 15 (Sidcup CC; Hurstmere School)
  • Medium-fast bowler Ben Stock, 16 (Bexley CC; CHislehurst & Sidcup Grammar)
  • Leg spinner Jan Gray, 15 (Folkestone CC; Simon Langton Boys', Canterbury)
  • Off-spinner Ranjit Singh, 17 (Bromley CC; St George's CoE School, Gravesend)
  • Batsman Nathan Baxter, 15 (Old Colfeians CC; Whitgift School)
  • All rounder Zak Crawley, 16 (Sevenoaks Vine CC; Tonbridge School)
  • Medium-fast bowler Piers Richardson, 18 (Canterbury CC; Kings School Canterbury)
  • Medium-fast bowler Hugh Bernard, 18 (Folkestone CC; Archbishops' School, Canterbury)
  • All rounder Marcus O'Riordan, 16 (Tunbridge Wells CC, Tonbridge School)