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Head coach Matt Walker has urged Kent’s troops to do things their own way.
There’s been plenty of talk ahead of the 2023 summer about how England’s new aggressive “Bazball” style under head coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes will impact how counties approach matches.
While Walker admits it’s a conversation he’s heard around Kent’s players - having seen his side claim two trophies in as many years - he’s also keen to ensure his players don’t go away from what they know best, too, ahead of their County Championship opening Division 1 game at home to Northamptonshire in Canterbury, which starts today.
He said: “It’s definitely been a conversation you hear around the group.
“They’re, obviously, very aware of what they’re watching. I think it’s incredibly exciting, the players are watching and being inspired by what the England players are doing.
“For us, though, I think it’s very important to concentrate on what we do very well.
"It’ll be very interesting to see how this summer pans out.
“But from our point of view, we have got a very talented bunch of players - who all bring a different set of skills - and it’s about applying them when needed.
“At times, we need to be more aggressive with our batting. We already had spoken about that at the end of last season.
“There were periods where we were a little bit too circumspect when we were in control of games and played it a bit safe.
"But the message from us is to 'Play your game, be brave and express yourself when the time is right'.
“If people play the way they practice and play to their gameplan, then there will be no come back from us.”
Walker also feels the fact surfaces they sometimes play on in the county game aren’t as good as what’s played on during Test matches needs to be taken into consideration.
“Obviously, the batting points have slightly adjusted, so that’s something to think about, but I think it’s a bit different in county cricket,” he noted.
“We don’t know what we’ll come up against but, in Test cricket, the surfaces are probably a little bit better consistently.
"We’ve just got to take every game as it comes.
“It’s very easy to look at what’s going on above us and think ‘We must play like that’ but I think that’s very dangerous to do.
“We’ll definitely talk about it, as a batting group and as a bowling group, work out what’s best for Kent and we’ll give our group the full trust.”
Walker played alongside England managing director Rob Key at Kent in his playing days.
The 49-year-old doesn’t think there is a one-size-fits-all model for players aspiring to represent the national team.
“Your currency is runs and wickets ultimately,” he said. “It always has been.
“That’s what will get you noticed. Style of play will come into it a little bit, too.
“But the message from England is that they’re very keen not to preach.
“We’re very aware of what England are doing, culturally, and what they’re trying to bring to the group - a relaxed, fun, environment, [where they] are trusting each others’ games. Total backing from start to finish.
“It’s amazing what’s come out of that environment. If we can try and do the same here in a similar sort of way, then I think it’s a powerful message.
“Having sat in an ECB meeting, they’re very hesitant to say ‘You must play like this’ and that’s what I’d expect from them anyway.
“They’ve said how they’re creating a culture, which allows people to go and perform to their best.
“That’s all we are going to try and do here, just get a culture where people trust what they’re doing.
“We can try and help them with what they’re trying to do and, actually, have a relaxed environment where people can actually feel free to play their best cricket.”
Fast bowler Nathan Gilchrist misses out on the Northamptonshire game through injury.
South African all-rounder George Linde, a new father, is now expected back at Kent next month.
Kent team: Crawley, Compton, Denly, Bell-Drummond, Leaning, Cox, Billings (c), Evison, Stewart, Quinn, Hogan.
