Walker: T20 signings are exciting
Saturday 17th March 2018
Head coach Matt Walker said he was delighted with the “exciting” double overseas T20 signing for this summer’s Vitality Blast.
On Thursday, Kent announced the arrivals of New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne and Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for the tournament which starts in July.
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Walker said the club had little hesitation in re-signing the Black Caps paceman after a stellar first T20 which included a club-record 5/11 against Somerset.
Despite injury problems, the former Kent batsman said he is delighted to welcome him back in July.
Walker said: “He was a brilliant fit for us last year but unfortunately he didn’t play as much as he or we would have liked.
“When he did play, he made such a difference especially at the end of an innings. He’s dynamic and gives us that extra pace which is so important in T20.
“He’s a great bloke, fitted well into the dressing room and wanted to come back which says a lot as he was so keen to come back to us and was not short of offers.
“It’s difficult to have consistent overseas signings and I like that we can build relationships with players that want to be here and part of something.”
Alongside Milne, the Spitfires will be able to call on the services of explosive Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.
Walker said: “We wanted an all-rounder who could give us four overs and extra power in our batting line-up. He fits the bill perfectly and is a three-dimensional cricketer.
“I saw him up close and personal in Australia this winter and was very impressed.
“He’s vastly improved and was one of the standout players in the Big Bash League: a brilliant fielder, very decent bowler and a dynamic batsman who can hit the ball a long way.
“Sam Billings knows him well and says he’s a fantastic bloke. I do like the Aussie mentality and hopefully that can give us extra attitude and competitiveness in the group.
“It’s a great coup to get him and Adam. Our supporters should be excited to come and see Marcus and Adam play.”