WE HAVE played much of our four-day cricket this year with a depleted team and have not always achieved the desired result, however the effort and passion shown by the lads has, in most cases, been pretty impressive.

Just when I thought our injury list could not get any longer Arafat cleaned up Tyron Henderson with a perfect yorker leaving him with a badly broken toe.

His early return home is a big disappointment as we once again find ourselves doing battle without the influence of either overseas player. That is frustrating, but at least it gives us chance to develop fringe players.

Robbie Joseph and James Tredwell have been given much greater responsibility in recent weeks and have made exciting progress. Robbie has developed his ability to swing the ball yet still bowl with good control.

Tredwell’s conscientious approach has led to further exciting progress and career-best figures against Sussex say much about his ability.

Youngsters Joe Denly and Alex Blake have joined the squad and both get there on merit.

Joe has churned out big scores while patiently doing his apprenticeship in the 2nd XI and we feel that the time is right to give him a taste of the big time.

Alex, although only 17, has performed well with bat and ball for the Kent Academy and the 2nd XI as an exciting all-rounder.

His seam bowling may well be important to us during this last part of the season as we find ourselves depleted in this department due to the freakish injury list.