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Kent Spitfires skipper Sam Billings looks ahead to T20 Blast match against Sussex Sharks at Hove

05:00, 20 June 2023

updated: 09:30, 20 June 2023

Kent Spitfires skipper Sam Billings admits he has had plenty of homework to do ahead of their T20 Blast game away to Sussex Sharks.

Kent, who announced they will sign England international leg-spinner Matt Parkinson from Lancashire on a three-year contract as of November 1 yesterday, visit Hove tonight (7pm start), aiming to extend their winning run to four games in the South group.

Kent Spitfires skipper Sam Billings – has had plenty of homework to do ahead of tonight’s away T20 Blast match against Sussex Sharks. Picture: Keith Gillard
Kent Spitfires skipper Sam Billings – has had plenty of homework to do ahead of tonight’s away T20 Blast match against Sussex Sharks. Picture: Keith Gillard

Spitfires have eight points from nine group matches while second-bottom Sharks have claimed three victories from the same number of fixtures.

Sussex, who they will face in Canterbury next Friday, have a largely young side. But they are captained by ex-England international Ravi Bopara and have experience in bowlers Tymal Mills and Ari Karvelas, as well as Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan among their ranks.

Speaking after Saturday night’s seven-wicket win over Gloucestershire in Bristol, Billings said: “They have got a really nice blend, haven’t they?

“They have a couple of dangerous batters that, I’ll be honest, I haven’t played a lot against - if at all. So there’s a bit of homework to do over the next couple of days to see what their strengths are.

“We know we have got a quality side and we can deal with anyone on our day. It’s about us bringing our best.

Kane Richardson suffered a side strain in Kent’s win over Gloucestershire and is replaced in their 13-strong squad by fellow Australian overseas bowler Wes Agar. Picture: Keith Gillard
Kane Richardson suffered a side strain in Kent’s win over Gloucestershire and is replaced in their 13-strong squad by fellow Australian overseas bowler Wes Agar. Picture: Keith Gillard

“But also, we know there’s no easy game in this South group so, for us, it’s about using the two days off because it’s a pretty brutal schedule! We’re looking forward to it.

“We’re in a really good place as a team, individuals are starting to find form, and there’s no reason why we can’t just keep on going. We know what we need to do.

“We’ll take it one game at a time but we’re playing well.”

Sussex beat Hampshire Hawks by six runs in a high-scoring encounter on Friday night at Hove, wicketkeeper Oli Carter blasting a 33-ball 64 while Brad Currie claimed 3-27.

Wes Agar replaces fellow Australian overseas bowler Kane Richardson, who came off with a side strain against Gloucestershire, in Kent’s 13-strong squad.

Kent Spitfires’ squad to visit Sussex Sharks: Billings (C), Agar, Bell-Drummond, Blake, Cox, Denly, Evison, Hogan, Klaassen, Leaning, Linde, Muyeye, Stewart.

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