Kent’s Men gain match practice against Middlesex at Merchant Taylors’ School
Kent’s batters & bowlers were given their first taste of county cricket for the 2024 season at a two-day friendly match with Middlesex at Merchant Taylors’ School in Hertfordshire.
View video scorecard
Several players made use of extra layers and handwarmers in March conditions, but those that braved the temperatures were treated to a spirited Kent performance with both bat and ball.
It’s not too late to become a Kent Members for this Summer – be a part of the Kent Cricket family and guarantee your place at Kent’s home matches this season, even if tickets are sold out!
Buy Membership now
After electing to bat first, Middlesex were given 60 overs with the willow on the first day of action in Kent’s 2024 pre-season.
Jas Singh was the standout performer for the Spitfires, who it seemed had gained an extra yard of pace after working hard in the Winter and spending time in Australia working on his game. His four wickets for 32 runs included the scalps of Max Holden & James Cracknell, Singh completing his haul with a lovely delivery to remove the bails from the stumps that Luke Hollman was guarding.
George Garrett took his first wicket as a Kent player, finding Leus du Plooy’s edge with the ball falling gratefully into the hands of Tawanda Muyeye. Nathan Gilchrist dismissed England opener Mark Stoneman in a similar fashion for 11 runs earlier in the innings.
Kent’s first round with the bat got off to a rocky start, but new Kent skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond held firm alongside ‘keeper-batter harry Finch – both would retire not out after posting scores of 47 & 54 respectively after seeing Kent to stumps ahead of Day Two. Joey Evison also made 33 from 62 balls.
Nathan Gilchrist was back in the wickets soon after the start of Middlesex’s second innings – sending Stoneman back to the Pavilion again after the opener had attempted an expansive drive, only to feather the ball to Finch behind the stumps.
Matt Quinn opened his account for 2024 with the wicket of Holden for 1, and Garrett ended Middlesex’s second stint with the bat by trapping Joe Cracknell leg-before for 4.
As conditions deteriorated, Kent made 29 further runs for the loss of four wickets before both teams shook hands shortly before 15:30.
View video scorecard
Kent’s next pre-season matchup is another two-day match at the Kia Oval, facing oldest rivals Surrey from Good Friday. Entry in South London is free.
Grab your calendars and make sure you’re sorted for 2024 – tickets for your Summer social in Canterbury to see the Kent Spitfires in T20 action are on general sale now.
Buy your T20 tickets here
Lock in your place at The Spitfire Ground this Summer. Several matches completely sold out in 2023. Take advantage of Early Bird prices before the end of 1 May and save money by buying today.
Scramble your squadron for a choice of Friday nights & weekends this June & July and enjoy discounts on tickets for groups of six or more!
