Sam Denly has spoken of his pride at watching brother Joe make his Test debut for England.

Kent vice-captain Joe opened the batting with Rory Burns in the second Test against West Indies in Antigua.

It was a dream come true for the Denly family, with former cricketer Sam tracking his progress across the weekend.

“It meant everything,” he said. “I was so proud – all the family were. I was a nervous wreck, though.

“I couldn’t really enjoy the moment but I’m so proud he’s got the cap. That’s something no one can take away from him and I’m sure he’ll play in the next game.

“If he can get a decent score, he’s got half a chance of playing in the Ashes so that’s something to look forward to.

“It’s the pinnacle of all cricketers’ careers, to play in a Test match for your country.

“He thought the moment had come and gone, given he played (for the one-day side) 10 years ago but his form’s been outstanding in the last couple of years and I think he deserved the recall – certainly to the one-day team.

“He’s been the best player in England in that format for a while on the county circuit.

“I thought (his chance) had gone and I’m sure he did but it’s an immensely proud moment for me, dad and everyone else.”

Turning his attentions back to football, Hythe Town manager Sam is preparing for a home game against Phoenix Sports on Saturday.

But he’ll be without striker Junior Aikhionbare, who’s agreed a move to Bostik South East promotion rivals Whyteleafe.

Denly said: “They approached him a few weeks ago. He’s been in conversation with them and it looks like he’s going.

“More often than not, if he’s available he plays but Zak Ansah is our main striker. Junior’s been playing and I didn’t particularly want him to go but he’s been promised to be the main man at Whyteleafe and he’s got his reasons so we’ve parted on good terms.”

Hythe took a five-match unbeaten run to Faversham last night, (Tuesday) having kept clean sheets in four of those games.

Denly said: “Ollie Rowe’s been a brilliant signing for us. He’s made a massive difference and that’s not digging out anyone else.

“I lost Ryan Johnson last year and he’s one of the best defenders in the league. They’re very similar.

“George Kamurasi has come back (in goal) after being out for nine weeks and we missed him. I wasn’t happy when he wasn’t there.

“He talks, as everyone knows, and he’s a leader. With those two playing every week we look a lot stronger at the back.”