RICHARD PIESLEY has headed to the toughest finishing school in world cricket to improve his Kent hopes.

Piesley – who wants to toughen up his batting and keeping after playing in only one of Kent’s County Championship matches this summer – has gone to Australia and left his 17-year-old girlfriend behind.

He believes spending the next four months as a self-funded overseas player for the Helevale team in Brisbane grade cricket will help iron out any rough edges.

“My objective is to work hard on my batting, keeping and fitness in Queensland,” said the 18-year-old.

“I am part of the Kent staff now and next summer my aim is to score as many runs as I can and keep well. I am not happy about playing in the 2nd XI because my dream is to be Kent’s first choice keeper and to captain the county.

“But at the same time I have to be realistic. I want to play for England – that is my second dream but I don’t want to think too far ahead.

“At the moment I would be happy to settle for just one more first team game for Kent.”

Piesley is playing two-day 100 overs-a-side matches on successive Saturdays until the end of February. He has been on the receiving end of fierce anti-English sledging in his only match for Helenvale so far.

“When some of the Aussies find out I am English they really get stuck in,” he said.

“The standard of county cricket and 2nd XI cricket in England is much higher than club cricket in Queensland, but the Aussies are more intense in their preparation.

“I have a seven day a week job here playing and getting fit. Some 2nd XI net sessions in England can be more relaxed so it’s been good for me to train so hard.”

Director of the Kent Academy Paul Farbrace and wicket keeper coach Steve Marsh were both instrumental in advising Piesley to spend time down under, with Farbrace also arranging specialist coaching from Queensland wicket keeper coach Brad Murphy, the veteran of several club teams in England and Wales.

Long-term aims remain firmly on the teenager’s agenda but for now, though, Piesley is enjoying the chance to turn cricket tradition on its head and become that rare county cricketer who shines in Australia.