Prolific batsman James Hockley is still good enough to play for Kent.

That’s the view of his club captain Andy Tutt, who last weekend watched the 38-year-old make his highest score for nine years.

Hockley hit 136 off 126 balls in Hartley Country Club’s win over Tunbridge Wells – the 70th time he’s scored 50 or more in the Kent League.

During two spells at Kent – from 1998-2002 and 2009-10 – he played 30 first-class matches and made 81 one-day appearances for the county.

Released on both occasions, Hockley has scored 8,211 runs in the Kent League at an average of 47.46, winning six Premier Division titles in the process.

Tutt said: "If he was involved at Kent now, he’d play every week.

"I don’t think the strength in depth they’ve got is as good as it was when James was playing. It is unbelievable how he hasn’t had a 10-year professional career.

"There was something missing but I don’t know what it is. His technique against all forms of bowling looks outstanding.

"I’d hate to think that sometimes he sits there thinking ‘why didn’t it happen?’ I honestly don’t know. Maybe sometimes it’s a little bit more hunger.

"He’s incredibly talented and a fantastic bloke. Something was amiss (at Kent) but our overseas player on Saturday turned round and said ‘this bloke’s unbelievable’.

"He’s such a great player and there’s no-one else better to watch in the league."