KENT’S new vice-captain Matthew Walker says he has finally come of age as a cricketer as he looks forward to another prosperous season.

Walker, 30, averaged over 50 in first class matches last season, which culminated in him being named Kent’s player of the year.

And he says as an established senior player, the extra responsibility seems to have brought out the best in him.

He said: "It’s true to say I felt the pressure and thought about my game more when things weren’t going so well.

"But I’ve had two decent years in a row now and I enjoy the pressure of expectation and responsibility, although that hasn’t always been the case.

"I look around the dressing room and realise I’m a senior player here and there’s a bit more responsibility on my back.

"Last year, with Geraint (Jones) off playing Tests, I was batting at five and we had a lot of inexperienced players going in after me, so I knew it was a huge position for the side.

"I enjoyed it though. And for the first time didn’t feel that responsibility as a burden.”

Now with the added responsibility of the vice-captaincy, the Gravesend-born left-hander seems to be taking it in his stride.

He added: "I’ve thought about the role of vice-captaincy quite a lot since it was offered to me. And I think the secret is not changing too much from where I’m at now.

"I will keep my sense of fun and energy on the field and in the dressing room but I can be more available to David Fulton and more supportive to him as captain.

"There were times last year when he was a little isolated and I hope I can perhaps become the link between him and the dressing room and the middle man for the players to the coach."