Bollinger keen to make his mark at Kent

Australian seam bowler Doug Bollinger has told the official Kent Cricket website that he is delighted to join the Club for the 2014 season.

The 32-year-old left-armer arrived at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on Wednesday and will stay for the season. We caught up with Doug to get his thoughts on joining Kent.

How pleased are you to join Kent Cricket?

I'm delighted to be here, it's great. I got a very good welcome from all of the boys and I'm finding it great fun. I've only been here a couple of days but I've settled in and hope that it will be a good year for Kent and myself.

You play Worcestershire in your first match – ironic, isn't it, as you spent the 2007 season at New Road?

My spell at Worcestershire was tough. It rained for a large part of that summer but I had a bit of fun there. It's a good ground, I've not been there in a while but I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully we can go there, get a win and start well.

Bollinger claimed 16 Championship wickets at an average of 44 in his time with Worcestershire but is already hoping to do better with Kent.

How are you enjoying Canterbury?

It looks a fantastic place to be and I'm sure that I will really enjoy it but, for now, I'm just looking forward to getting started on Sunday.

How did the move to Kent come about?

Keysie (Rob Key) sent me a text at Christmas time and said it would be a good opportunity for me and that I could really help out over here. It wasn't a tough decision to make and it's a wonderful opportunity for me. I know three or four of the players quite well so I'm blessed in that way. I've known Mitch Claydon for a long time, I've played international cricket against Nashy (Brendan Nash) and Sam Billings played Grade Cricket at a club in Sydney, near to where I live.

Are you looking forward to working with Jimmy Adams and Rob?

I spoke to Jimmy and Keysie before signing and both told me what's going on here. They are very professional and old school but I like that. They didn't need to sell the club to me because I wanted it anyway but they both said just come over and enjoy it. I bring lots of experience and hope to help both the experienced players and the younger players too. As a left-arm bowler I will bring something different and hope to help out on and off the pitch.

Kent are hoping for success. Do you think it will happen?

Well that's why I'm here. I want to take as many wickets as I can and try and win some games for the club. I want to be a winner and I want the team to be successful. We've got some good players in good form; let's see how it goes.

Bollinger has 50 Test wickets at an average of under 26 and comes to Kent following an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign for New South Wales. His performances earned him a place in the Australian side for the World T20 in Bangladesh.

It's your first opportunity to play in English cricket for a few seasons. How well do you know your new surroundings?

Well it's always a little bit challenging when you come to new conditions. It will take me a bit of time to adapt to it but hopefully there won't be too much of a transition and I can start well.

Finally Doug, was the fact that you will be involved for the whole season a big factor?

Of course, it was one of the big attractions for me. I'm here for the whole thing and looking forward to playing in all the formats. I want to get out there, take some wickets and impress the fans. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be fun.　

S Morecombe