Putting faith in youth?

It's certainly true that Kent hasn't produced a young player since the 'generation' of Billings, Northeast & Bell-Drummond (Coles & Blake are a little older) - none of whom are exactly old yet - but it hasn't been for a want of looking and trying:

Fabian Cowdrey - produced good white ball performances and was a pretty certain choice for that team, but struggled in red ball cricket despite opportunities; has chosen to give the game up;

Adam Ball - a fair number of opportunities over 7 seasons, but just didn't do enough. Hope he gets another county.

Hugh Bernard - England U19 player, but didn't perform consistently in the 2nd XI

Ryan Davies - England U19 player - chose to go to Somerset to get regular opportunities as a WK, but has since been relased

Charlie Hartley - made good sue of limited opportunities, may get another county. Unlucky, in my opinion


Then those still on the staff:


Calum Haggett - over 5 seasons he has shown promise, made useful contributions, but a batting average of 23/bowling average of 35 isn't good enough. 27 this month - time is running out.



Ivan Thomas - career has been hindered by injuries; on his day looks a useful seamer, but at 26 time is running out...


Matt Hunn - probably the bowler most hopes are focused on; at 23 he still has time to come good


Adam Riley - about 3 years ago he looked a star in the making, but since then it has all gone wrong (hence the need to renew Tredwell's contract). Not sure what the future holds for him, sadly.

Imran Qayyum - a lot of hopes for him: figures don't yet do him justice, but he looks to have promise. Next season will be crucial for him, I suspect.


Zak Crawley - has showed some promise in the 1st XI; at 19 he still has some time.



Grant Stewart - 23 year old EU passported Aussie; one game so far - looked a useful 3rd seamer, but too early to say much.


Oliver Robinson - 18 year old reserve keeper. One for the future.


What this show - to me at least, and I suspect many KCCC supporters - is that we've been more successful re: batsmen/WK than we have bowlers. Perhaps the arrival of Alan Donald next year - assuming it happens - will make the difference. But I suspect that will be for 2109 & after; in the short term we will need 2 or 3 bowlers (3 if Coles leaves): overseas/Kolpaks/signings from other counties. Without that I can't see much success happening next season.