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Sport

Joe Denly keen to see Darren Stevens offered new deal at Kent

By: Cameron Hogwood

Published: 06:00, 20 September 2019

Kent's Joe Denly admits he would love to see teammate Darren Stevens stay at the club for at least another year.

The 43-year-old is due to leave Kent at the end of the season after being informed he would not be offered a new contract back in July.

Ashes star Denly has watched from afar while the veteran all-rounder has produced 10 wickets and a knock of 88 against Nottinghamshire, before firing 237 and picking up another five-fer in this week's record 433-run win over Yorkshire.

Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens. Picture: Keith Gillard

Denly said: "I think someone of Darren Stevens' ability, he's an asset to any team, especially playing the way he is at the minute.

"He'll probably be the first to admit he hasn't scored the runs he'll have liked to over the last couple of years, but the form he's found himself in recently is quite incredible.

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"With the ball, he's always very dangerous. He's been one of our leading bowlers in red-ball cricket over the last couple of years.

"He's in a real purple patch at the minute and probably a little bit of drive has been ignited from Kent not offering him another deal. I think he's got a point to prove.

"Paul Downton has come out and said they're going to talk to him at the end of the Yorkshire game.

"With what he's produced over the last couple of weeks of course I'd be delighted if Darren signed another deal and he was at Kent for at least another year.

"I'm sure all Kent fans would appreciate that as well.

"It's out of my control but I'd love to see him playing for Kent again next year."

Kent are set to enter 2020 with a new-look coaching team as assistant coach Allan Donald prepares to depart having joined the club at the beginning of 2018.

Former second team coach Min Patel has taken up a new role as Head of Talent Pathway, while Simon Cook has returned as a specialist bowling coach.

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The club have also already secured the signing of batsman Jack Leaning from Yorkshire.

Denly added: "I'm very excited. I don't think it's just beginning now. I think it's been a slow building process over the last couple of years.

"I think we've signed really well, we'd added some real quality to our squad and now it's kind of shaping what the off-field structure looks like.

"With Simon Cook coming in as bowling coach and assistant to Walks things will start to become a bit clearer and the guys can have a real focus in this winter and lead into what is set to be an exciting 2020."

England's Joe Denly batting during day three of the third Ashes Test match at Headingley. Picture: PA Images

Denly remains unsure as to whether he will feature in Kent's final County Championship game of the season against Hampshire, with his side chasing third place in Division 1.

He said: "I'm undecided at the minute.

"It's been a pretty hectic couple of months and the body is pretty fatigued, not only physically but mentally as well. It does take time to refresh.

"I haven't spent much time with the family, I've obviously got a newborn as well. I'll probably talk to Walks at the end of this week and then we'll chat further about that."

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