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Sam Billings believes momentum is the key for Kent in T20 Blast

Sam Billings says Kent have to keep improving in the Vitality Blast as the competition progresses.

Spitfires have won three of their opening four matches and top the south group.

They face a tough test on Friday under lights at The Spitfire Ground when they face Surrey, a match that marks the start of Canterbury Cricket Week.

Sam Billings batting against Hampshire. Picture: Keith Gillard
Sam Billings batting against Hampshire. Picture: Keith Gillard

Billings said: “It is a big game but every game is big. It’s all about momentum. It will be a really good time to have the week off to refresh mentally and physically.

“It was a key win against Hampshire because of that.

“This south group is so tight. Hampshire are nought from three now but you know they are going to hit a run at some point as they are too good a side not to.

“We have to keep winning and we have to keep getting better. There’s still a lot of room for improvement. We are leaking too many runs in the powerplay even when we got early wickets.”

Spitfires beat Surrey in their opening match of the T20 competition in a match where Joe Denly scored a century and took a hat-trick.

Surrey have been boosted by the arrival of overseas player Aaron Finch, who scored 131 not out in their match with Sussex last Friday.

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Billings said: “Aaron Finch is a dangerous player, Jason Roy may be back for that match and the Currans as well. They are a great side but every side is strong in this group.

“It will be a tough game but we hope to keep this momentum going.”

Adam Milne missed the Hampshire match because of an ankle injury while Carlos Brathwaite will play his last match for the club, after extending his initial four match deal.

Carlos Brathwaite. Picture: Keith Gillard
Carlos Brathwaite. Picture: Keith Gillard

Billings added: “Adam Milne should be fine for next week. He must have rolled his ankle as it was quite swollen.

“Someone goes out but it gives another person an opportunity and that’s the great thing about our squad at the moment. There is competition for places.

“Carlos showed glimpses against Hampshire of his ball striking and no doubt he will get going next weekend.

“I think his bowling has been exceptional. He has been world class and has shown why he plays around the world.”

Cricket week continues on Sunday when former Kent player Paul Nixon brings his Leicestershire side for a Specsavers County Championship Division 2 match.

Past players will be in attendance on Sunday with the traditional wreath laying for the fallen scheduled for the tea interval on Tuesday.

There will also be live jazz music on the first three days of the match.

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