Kent name Denly as vice-captain for 2018

Joe Denly has been appointed as vice-captain and will deputise for Sam Billings - who will be at the IPL - at the start of the County Championship season

Joe Denly has been appointed as vice-captain and will deputise for Sam Billings - who will be at the IPL - at the start of the County Championship season.

Denly said: “My role will be to support Sam Billings in looking after the team and while he is away, I’ll be captain and it’s a good opportunity for the lads to take responsibility for their skills and share ownership.

“I really enjoyed the captaincy in Antigua. I was a little nervous about what sort of response I’d get but the lads were fantastic. They showed a great attitude throughout the FGS Plant Tour both in training and matches.

“If I had any doubts, they were cleared by the experience. I’ll try to be myself. I want to be approachable, to get everyone involved and pushing in the same direction.

Exciting times!! Can’t wait to get started tomorrow v oxford uni.....weather permitting!! #Spitfires https://t.co/QA2WynpKIX

— Joe Denly (@joed1986) March 31, 2018

“I’m sure I’ll tap into the experience of the coaches and senior players but I know there are a lot of good ideas from our younger players like Daniel Bell-Drummond and Sean Dickson.”

“A lot of my focus will be on the captaincy and the team but my batting is still a big part of my job.

“I don’t feel the responsibility brings any added pressure and I’ll be looking to score as many, if not more, runs as last year.”

“It’s been a busy winter but I’ve had a few days off since returning from the Pakistan Super League and I’m feeling pretty good and looking forward to the new season.

“We’ll be looking to get some time in the middle at The Spitfire Ground and play positively.”