In-form Kent batsman Joe Denly says he's not even thinking about England call-up during his purple patch
Published: 00:00, 03 August 2017
Updated: 07:45, 03 August 2017
Joe Denly says speculation about an England recall will not help him in his quest to maintain his sparkling form.
Denly passed 1,500 runs for the season in all competitions on Sunday with his knock of 68 from just 50 balls against Glamorgan at Canterbury.
After another 31 in Tuesday's win at Hampshire the 31-year-old now has 367 runs in nine South Group knocks – more than anyone else in the country – at an average of 46 and his form has sparked talk in some quarters of an international recall nearly eight years after the last of his 14 England white-ball appearances.
For his part, Denly claimed he was not even thinking about higher honours: “That’s very much in the back of my mind, I like going out to bat without that pressure and just try to enjoy it as much as I can.
“As soon as I start thinking about that I probably won’t score any runs... I’m just looking forward and if it comes, it comes.”
Denly also has 921 runs in the Championship at an average of 61 and added 163 more in the early-season Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.
He said: “I’m seeing it all right at the minute. I’m enjoying my batting and that’s the main thing – just going out without putting too much pressure on myself and just enjoying it every time,
“It seems to be going well and I’m looking forward to the next game. You’ve got to make the most of it when you’re hitting the ball well and try to score as many runs as you can because there’s always a good ball around the corner and a few low scores, so I’m certainly enjoying this little purple patch.”
He added: “I don’t think there’s anything technically which I’ve changed.
“I’m clearer on what works for me. I like to keep it pretty simple, I’m not one to go out and play all these reverse sweeps.”
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Alex Hoad