All-rounder Grant Stewart is happy to take on any leadership roles which may be available within Kent’s squad.

Stewart, 31, took on the position of taking charge of Spitfires’ bowling group in last year’s One-Day Cup.

While results didn’t go their way on the field as seventh-placed Kent won only three of their eight 50-over 2024 fixtures, it is an experience that Stewart is happy he took on.

He said: “I really enjoyed that. I’m not usually one to sort of be outspoken and put my hand up for those sorts of things.

“But I definitely like doing that sort of thing if people want me to do it.

“Hopefully, I was helpful to a few of the lads. If I can help anyone out, I’m always there to do that.

“If that role is there again with the four-day, T20 or One-Day side, I’d be more than happy to offer my assistance wherever I can.”

Kent move for overseas bowling duo

Cook on One-Day Cup’s future

While Stewart is one of the more experienced members of the squad, he’s far from the most vocal.

But he said: “I have maybe got a bit of a different perception of leadership to some.

“I don’t always think the best leaders have to be the most outspoken people. There’s, obviously, a lot more I’d like to do in my career in terms of performing better at different stages.

“But I’ve been around for a little bit now so, hopefully, there’s a few things I’ve learnt that I can maybe pass onto a few of the younger players, and help them with their journey.

“If I can help them learn things I’ve had to learn along the way, hopefully, that’ll be beneficial for everyone.”

Stewart - an Australian-born Italian international, who qualifies to play for the European team through his mother - enjoyed a busier close-season than most.

“I definitely had some downtime, that’s for sure, but I played a couple of tours with Italy,” he explained.

“One was in Uganda and there was one in Hong Kong in February, and then I managed to play a couple of club games when I went back to Australia to see family.

“I got plenty of cricket in, which was quite good. I feel pretty good.”

Stewart started playing for Italy in 2021 and admits he relishes the different opportunities, which playing international cricket gives to him.

“It’s been great to play for Italy,” he said. “Over the winter period, I’ve managed to play two 50-over tours.

“You get to face different conditions and play against different players, as well. It’s really good for your learning.

“In our team, I play with blokes like Wayne Madsen - another county professional - and I’ve learnt a lot from playing with him over the years.

“There’s also Emilio Gay and Gareth Berg, and a few other county players and some really high-profile Aussie players, like Joe Burns is in the mix.

“So, there’s some great learning experiences on those tours, where you’re facing different oppositions and different conditions to what you face here.”

England Lions will face India A in a four-day match at Canterbury’s Spitfire Ground.

Up-and-coming international players from both nations will contest the first match in a two-game series as a part of the India Test team’s tour of England this summer.

The last England Lions match at The Spitfire Ground was played against South Africa in 2022, with the likes of England’s Ben Duckett and Harry Brook both scoring centuries. Spitfires skipper Sam Billings led the Lions in that game.

The fixture will take place from Friday, May 30, until Monday, June 2.