Coach’s Corner – Farby’s Blog, 15th August

When the squad came together on Tuesday of last week for training, Keysy spoke to the group about many things and how he saw the last part of the season. Well they say actions speak louder than words, and his innings in the second innings against Surrey was leadership from the front. He went 33 overs during that innings without scoring a boundary, and on a wicket when the next top score was 49, it shows how well he played. I thought the opening partnership between Joe and Rob on the first day was the difference in the game. Joe had played so well to get to 49, then was given out LBW, a terrible decision and was just as bad as his decision in the one day game against Holland.

The team performance against Surrey was top class, Darren will take so much credit for his bowling, 11 wickets in the game is a magnificent effort, and well supported by Wahab, who bowled with great control in the first innings. Tred again showed his high level of skill second innings to finish them off. It was a very satisfying win against a good Surrey team, and to win the way the boys did inside three days also showed the pride they take in playing for Kent.

It was great to see the ground looking so good during cricket week, and I have to confess that there have been times this season when it felt more like a building site than a cricket ground, but fair play to Jamie and to Cardys, they have certainly delivered on the improvements to the ground.

The added bonus for me last week was seeing my two cricketing idols together again at Canterbury, as a young lad growing up and watching cricket at the St Lawrence Ground, caught Knott bowled Underwoood, was something I always wanted, except to have a caught Farbrace bowled Underwood. I went and stood in the crowd in front of the newly named stand, and it was like being back in time, seeing those two stood up there taking the applause, and me feeling like a young kid again staring up at my idols. It just added to the feel good factor of winning the game and realising how lucky I am to even play a small part in the history of the club. I did achieve my dream, James Whittaker was given out caught Farbrace bowled Underwood, Derek`s last game for Kent against Leicestershire. Everybody around the bat appealed except me, I was so nervous!!

I can`t write this week without mentioning England beating India three nil with one to play. England do look like a very skillful side and a side full of confidence. All credit to Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss, both have played a huge part in the team`s success. I certainly didn’t expect India to fold the way they have, and expected a much tougher series. England quite rightly sit at the top of the pack, and it will be interesting to see how long they can dominate for. They look well balanced and certainly don`t rely on one or two players, as the Indians perhaps do.

Let`s hope this week is just as enjoyable at the ground, both on and off the field. I will be away from the ground on Friday for a very important fixture, my eldest daughter Jemma is getting married, and I hope the sun shines for her and her husband to be.

Best wishes,

Farby.