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Matt Walker describes Jonathan Trott's progress at Kent

Matt Walker has hailed the growing influence of Jonathan Trott since his introduction as part of Kent's coaching staff.

The ex-England batsman arrived in April to initially fill in for the injured Allan Donald and assist the Spitfires' batting unit across their Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.

Trott revealed last week that his stay in Canterbury had now been extended until the beginning of the Vitality Blast on July 20, much to the delight of head coach Walker.

Kent head coach Matt Walker & assistant coach Allan Donald. Picture: Andy Jones
Kent head coach Matt Walker & assistant coach Allan Donald. Picture: Andy Jones

He said: "He's been great since he's been here, to have him around really helps us in lots of ways.

"He's experienced and he's starting to build relationships with the players which always takes time as a coach. It's difficult to do that overnight and make an immediate impact.

"You have to gain the trust of the lads and build those relationships and that's what John is now doing.

"Now he's been with us for a little while you're starting to see the fruits of it all starting to happen."

The former Warwickshire star registered 18,654 runs in 280 first-class matches across his career as well as winning 68 ODI caps for England.

"He's got so much to impart on the group from what he's done in his career, how he's played and what he's been through," added Walker.

"To have somebody of that experience is great and it will be great for us to have his expertise around (for longer than first expected). It helps me and my job with him getting stuck in with the batters."

Trott himself recently spoke highly of Walker and the opportunity to work alongside him in what marks his first coaching role since calling time on his playing career at the end of last season.

He said: "As a coach you want to learn how to go about it as well. Being a youngish coach or one with not as much experience as others, it’s always good to learn from the likes of Matt Walker and Allan Donald who have obviously been coaching for a lot longer.

"He (Walker) has been outstanding and made me feel very welcome along with the rest of the club. It’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed it immensely."

Read more: Matt Walker reacts to Joe Denly's World Cup omission

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