Australian-born veteran Michael Hogan said the “Anzacs” are now leading the Kent Spitfires’ bowling attack after their campaign-opening T20 Blast win.

Hogan starred in their seven-wicket home success over Gloucestershire on Wednesday night as he claimed 3-13 from his three overs to help dismiss the visitors for a measly 113.

He’s been joined in The Spitfires’ squad by Australian overseas fast bowler Kane Richardson while all-rounder Grant Stewart - an Italian international due to his mother’s background - originally is from New South Wales, like Hogan. But both 41-year-old Hogan and Stewart qualify as domestic players.

The term “Anzac” is typically used to describe someone from the Australian or New Zealand Army Corps. All three of Hogan, debutant Richardson and Stewart (2-22) were among the wickets against Gloucestershire.

“That’s another one in,” said the Newcastle-born seamer. “It’s the Anzacs in the bowling attack!

“It’s nice to have Richo. We’ve crossed paths at times in Australia so I know him a little bit. He’s a quality performer.

“Probably, it wasn’t his best game but, still, he showed what he can do at the end. He came back and took two wickets.

“He may be a bit rusty - which is a good thing for us - because when he’s on it, we’re flying.”

Richardson’s first over in a Kent shirt didn’t exactly go to plan, going for 19, which included a no-ball and three boundaries, while fellow overseas South African all-rounder George Linde (0-29) - making his first Spitfires first-team appearance of 2023 - proved similarly expensive in his opening over.

But the pair recovered well as 32-year-old Richardson took two wickets in two balls to mop up Gloucestershire’s tail to finish with 2-26 as he also held onto a catch.

Hogan doesn’t think it’ll take long for either of the internationals to get up to speed.

He said: “These guys have played all around the world. It’ll never be too far away - Richo, particularly.

“He’s played IPL, Big Bash and he’s been over here, playing in The Hundred. He’ll never be far away from his best stuff so I don’t think that’s too much of a concern for us.

“Everyone’s chipped in and it’s good that different people can contribute at different periods throughout the game.

“Throughout the season, that’s what we’ll be looking for to go all the way in the tournament.”

Hogan opened the bowling alongside spinner Jack Leaning and dismissed both openers, with Chris Dent’s 29-ball 55 the only meaningful contribution Gloucestershire could offer before he was caught behind by Kent captain Sam Billings off his bowling.

“I love this format and pride myself on how I bowl in the powerplay,” noted Hogan, who also played in The Hundred last year for Southern Brave.

“It was nice to get a couple of wickets on the board.

“It’s been a bit of a slow start for myself in a new environment. But the boys couldn’t have been more welcoming and inclusive.

“It’s been fantastic.”

Games will now begin to come thick and fast for Matt Walker’s Spitfires and Hogan accepted building impetus, as well as being strong at home, will be vital.

He said: “Momentum is key. If you own your home ground, win most of your home games, and a couple away, you tend to be in the mix to qualify.

“It’s a real key point for us to own the ground here and play well at home. Then we’ll see what we can do away.”

Kent were 2021 T20 Blast winners and, although they endured a miserable title defence last summer, winning only three times to finish bottom of the South group, close-season recruit Hogan believes the squad is strong enough to go far in the competition once again.

He said: “There’s some international quality players with a few key overseas players there. We’ve got all the tools.

“If we put it together, we’ll go a long way in the tournament. I think we’ve made a good start but, hopefully, we can carry it on.”

The Spitfires started their T20 season in front of a big midweek crowd of 3,700 at Canterbury.

“You feed off it,” Hogan said. “It gets the adrenaline going.

“Sometimes, you lose your head a little bit. That experience, as a domestic player, that’s probably the experience you’d get at international level - that type of crowd.

“It’s something we look forward to.”

But there will be an even bigger crowd for Kent to play in front of this Friday when they take on Surrey at The Oval.

Hogan said: “I think it’s a big game for everyone.

“It was a big game when we travelled there when I was with Glamorgan as well.

“Everyone loved going to The Oval on a Friday night. I think the complimentary tickets will be well in demand for the players!

“It’s a fantastic occasion and the boys will be red-hot to get up there and do well.”

Kent are back at Canterbury when they host Somerset on Tuesday night, hours before Hogan’s 42nd birthday, in a repeat of the Final from two years ago.