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Kent assistant coach Allan Donald says Pakistan game was useful for players

Allan Donald says Kent showed they were not just there to make up the numbers against Pakistan.

The assistant coach says they well performed against the touring side in a match badly affected by the weather.

Kent bowled Pakistan out for 168 on the first day of play with Will Gidman taking 5-47. Imam-ul-Haq, nephew of Inzamam, was the standout batter hitting 61 before being trapped lbw by Gidman.

Assistant coach Allan Donald. Picture: Andy Jones.
Assistant coach Allan Donald. Picture: Andy Jones.

Donald said: “Although we didn’t have four days the one thing we did say before this game is when you play an international team there’s so much to learn rather than just pitching up and give the opposition what they want and that’s time in the middle.

“We started this discussion about creating this Test match culture. A lot of good things have come of it. I think the first day when we were asked to bowl it was a great response.

“With Matt Henry not being there it gave guys like Ivan (Thomas) a good crack at it and he really stood up to the task. Calum (Haggett) as well and Harry (Podmore). We just celebrated a beer with Will Gidman now.

“He’s very chuffed. He’s bowling really well at the moment and is bringing so much energy and passion to the group. The learning you take from this is a great deal.

“He knows where he’s at. He’s hacking himself back to form at the moment and gives us a little bit of extra edge. He’s in great form with the ball and is working hard at his batting.”

Will Gidman. Picture: Gary Browne.
Will Gidman. Picture: Gary Browne.

Heavy rain prevented any play on days two and three and at one stage it looked like there would be no play at all on Tuesday.

However, they were able to get out for two sessions in the afternoon and gave some much needed time in the middle for some batters.

Joe Denly hit an unbeaten 113, supported Sean Dickson who scored 74, as Kent posted 209-4 by the close of play.

Not before Mohammed Amir rearranged the stumps of Alex Blake with a magnificent Yorker that most batters would have found tough to defend.

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Donald added: “The problem has been getting outside either with the ball and bat. One mention has to go to the groundstaff as what they have achieved today is remarkable.

“When Joe came back from the PSL he was in the form of his life. He pretty much still is and he’s had a couple of wretched decisions and he comes back here with a great hundred against a great attack.

“Let’s not forget Sean Dickson’s knock as well. When you look at that scoreboard at 161-1 it’s about confidence moving forward.

“We’ve had some tough starts in the county games that we have played. But there’s a lot to take out of this going ahead to Glamorgan.”

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