Denly: The belief is still there
Part-time spinner Joe Denly reflected on his best bowling spell for the club as his six-over cameo of leg breaks helped Kent Spitfires beat his former county Middlesex in the Royal London One-Day Cup.
The Canterbury-born batsman said: “The wicket offered assistance early on with the new ball and we got two early wickets including Dawid Malan which was a big wicket.
“After that start, our confidence grew and we were able to dry up the scoring.”
Wayne Parnell struck with the new ball before Darren Stevens and James Tredwell tied up the scoring in the middle overs to push up the required run rate.
Denly said: “Speaking before the game, Sam Northeast said we should play with freedom and express ourselves.
“I’m always keen for a bowl and I’m often in Sam’s ear asking to come on. James Tredwell is Mr Reliable and bowled very tidily to create pressure at one end so they probably look to have a punt when I came on at the other end.
Speaking about his reflex return catch to dismiss Middlesex captain James Franklin, the 31-year-old said: “It was a pure reaction. I stuck my hand out and it stuck. A great feeling.
“It was a big wicket as he was going pretty well and looking to cement their innings. I’m not a massive turner of the ball but it was drifting nicely out there.”
Denly believes the win will bolster hopes to reach the knockout stage for a fourth successive season in the 50-over competition despite losing the first three fixtures.
The right-hander said: “The belief is still there. We’ve not become a bad team overnight and this result can only do great things for our confidence.”
The next home match is a day-night Battle of the Bridge showdown against Essex Eagles at The Spitfire Ground on Wednesday 17 May (1.30pm).