Kent’s stand-in captain Daniel Bell-Drummond has praised bowler Matt Milnes as the seamer continued to impress in Kent colours in the Spitfires’ latest County Championship game.

Milnes, one of the few shining lights from Kent’s 200 run defeat against Yorkshire, took 3/76 from 21 overs in the first innings in Canterbury and bowled an inspired spell of pace and bounce just after lunch on day one to drag Kent back into the game after a slow start from the home side.

He followed that up with figures of 2/68 in the second innings as Yorkshire pushed for a declaration, before scoring 78 with the bat whilst Kent tried to save the game on day four.

“Matt has been a brilliant addition” said Bell-Drummond. “In 2019 he came to the club and I did not know he was so quick!”

“He has been given a lot of trust with the ball. All the coaches trust him, and it was great to see him come through and end the season in the Lions squad.”

Milnes dismissed England test captain Joe Root for 11 in the afternoon session on day one against Yorkshire, forcing the man with 20 test hundreds to nick behind with a ball that rose on him at pace. His other wicket on the day was that of former England opener and Ashes winner Adam Lyth, who fell on 97, also edging behind to Kent wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson.

Milnes’ career has gone to a new level since joining Kent in 2019, helping him earn international recognition whilst being a regular in all three formats for his county. 

“I am sure he did a lot with Allan Donald (former bowling coach)” said Bell-Drummond. “He spoke highly of him, and it is great to see how well Matt is doing.”

“He is a very ambitious man and is looking forward to this year like all of us. And I know he will have a good year, and it is great to have him on board bowling well.”

Milnes himself has admitted he has added a yard of pace and improved as a bowler since joining Kent, and he will be hungry to continue that improvement when Kent’s County Championship game against Lancashire kicks off on Thursday. 

Picture supplied by Max Flego Photography.