Matt Walker concerned with recent batting performances as Kent fumble the bag

Kent Head Coach Matt Walker voiced his concerns over the team’s batters not matching the expectations. While the batters have not performed at their desired levels, the bowlers have failed to restrict the opposition to under 500 runs in the first innings of any of their opening four County Championship Division 1 matches this term. 

Kent started well with their bowling as Yorkshire struggled at 23-3. But the latter eventually put up a total of 571 which led to a draw at Headingly last week. Adding up to Kent’s woes, pacer Jackson Bird has been ruled out temporarily following a torn tendon. 

Matt Walker believes that the batters' lack of consistency is a concern for the bowlers at the moment. 

“I think it’s two-fold. Yes, we have conceded 500 every game, and that doesn’t look great and certainly is frustrating and slightly concerning for our bowling attack.”

The 48-year-old refused to blame the pitches for the poor display with the bat. Instead, he took Kent’s game against Essex as an example where the former could have made a respectable total. 

“But we have played on good wickets. We certainly haven’t batted well enough collectively. The Essex game was a great example because I thought we bowled very well that game without much luck. But we responded with the bat brilliantly. We matched their big first-innings score with our big first-innings score.”

The former English professional cricket pointed out the lack of consistency with the bat from his players in the matches against Lancashire and Hampshire. With the start they had against Hampshire, he believes they should have at least reached 450 instead of getting bowled out around 300. 

“Then against Lancashire, we didn’t do that. It was a good wicket, and I think they posted a score that reflected that - and we didn’t. Sometimes, scoreboard pressure does create issues for batters, but we batted first against Hampshire, and, again, we didn’t make the most of a good start. We should have got nearer 450 on that wicket, but we were bowled out for around 300.”

Speaking of his bowlers, Walker said that they need help for the batters to reach their full potential. However, the former left-handed cricketer explained the importance of maintaining discipline for more extended periods with the ball. 

“It’s a different story for the bowlers if they know they have 450 or 500 to bowl with. We know we have to give our bowlers something more to get their teeth stuck into with a bigger first-innings score. But also, with the ball, we know we’ve got to be more consistent and more disciplined for longer periods. That’s what teams have done to us on these good wickets.”

Kent are currently placed right at the bottom with zero wins from the four matches they have played. Both departments need to improve sooner rather than later if they are to turn the tides this season.