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Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson will provide exactly what Kent need during this year’s T20 Blast campaign.
That is head coach Matt Walker’s verdict, with Richardson set to join Kent for the entirety of the competition.
Richardson is regarded as a white-ball specialist, often tasked with bowling what are considered as the most difficult overs in the shorter format - in the powerplay and at the death.
Walker believes he will bring exactly the sort of skills The Spitfires were lacking as they aim to improve after last year’s dismal defence of their T20 Blast crown.
He said: “He’s outstanding. Not that long ago he was playing for Australia.
“He’s been around the world and he’s still performing incredibly well in the Big Bash.
“He’s exactly what we need - a top-and-tail bowler who can take the new ball but, also, brings strength at the death [which] is definitely an area we were looking to strengthen.
“Last year, we weren’t very good at the back-end of innings and he’ll strengthen that department.
"He’s a very experienced campaigner.
“He’s played a hell of a lot of cricket and to have him for the whole competition is a real boost.
“It’s becoming more and more difficult to get overseas bowlers - or any overseas players - for a significant period of time with the way the international schedules are and the other franchises around the world.
“Although they generally don’t directly clash, people have such a pick of what they want to do franchise-wise, and there’s a lot of money flying around in some of these competitions, so the Blast is just in the pot now.
“It’s going to become harder, but Kane wants to play and throw himself into it.”
Richardson has played both one-day international cricket and T20 cricket for his country.
Last year, the 32-year-old played in England as he turned out for Birmingham Phoenix at The Hundred competition.
Walker said: “I think he enjoyed his time last year in England for The Hundred and certainly, within the group, the chat was he was looking to maybe play a Blast campaign the following year.
“That all happened very quickly. It’s great we got that nailed down at the start of the winter.
“We missed that quality seamer last year.
“Our domestic seamers did well the year before that but last year didn’t quite go to plan.
“Maybe they lacked that little bit of experience, as talented as they are, but they’re still learning the game.
“To have your banker if you like - your experienced international cricketer among them - will definitely help them.”
Kent are due to begin their T20 Blast campaign against Gloucestershire in Canterbury on Wednesday, May 24.
They returned to outdoor training this week despite blustery conditions.
