Fit-again Joe Denly is aiming to enjoy a strong finish to the season with Kent after an injury-hit campaign.

Experienced batting all-rounder Denly made his comeback in Sunday’s One-Day Cup success against Essex at Canterbury after Jack Leaning had led Spitfires for the first six matches of the 50-over tournament.

In doing so, Denly returned to skipper his 17-year-old nephew, Jaydn Denly.

“It has been frustrating,” reflected Denly on his absence.

“There’s still quite a bit of cricket to be played and, hopefully, I can really put in some performances and make up for all that lost time, sitting on the sidelines.

“It’s never nice being injured. It was a niggly side injury which you can’t really rush, either.

“But it was nice to be back on the park.

“I felt really comfortable with the bat so I’m looking forward.”

The 37-year-old had skippered Spitfires to silverware in the 50-over format last year but the holders lost to Hampshire on the Isle of Wight in their final One-Day Cup group-stage game on Tuesday by three wickets and were knocked out of the competition, despite a record list A score of 150 for opener Daniel Bell-Drummond. Denly made a run-a-ball eight in their 325-8.

While Denly might be the one wearing the armband, he insists he isn’t the only leader.

He said: “I really enjoy captaining these boys. They’re a really good bunch of lads.

“I think Jack did a great job while I was away. I still, obviously, lean on him for his advice.

“We have a number of senior players within the group so it’s not just me captaining the side.”

Kent utilised a wealth of spin bowlers in the One-Day Cup and, with two of their last three red-ball matches at home, it could be a way forward.

Denly said: “The past two Canterbury wickets certainly have enabled us to bowl quite a lot of spin.

“It’s encouraging.”