By Craig Chisnall
THE 2014 season is all about one thing for Kent opener Sam Northeast – responsibility.
That’s individually as a 24- year-old batsman knowing he needs to ‘step up’ and also collectively after being named returning captain Rob Key’s deputy across all formats.
Northeast has long been tipped as one to watch on the county circuit, but by his high standards he struggled for large parts of last season – averaging just 26 in first class cricket.
That helped him pass 4,000 runs for the county he grew up in, but he’s expecting a much bigger return this time around after a winter of hard work.
“I’m really excited about the challenges that lie ahead this season – it’s a big year for me and I know I’ve got to step up,” said Northeast.
“It was a huge honour to be asked to be vice-captain. I was a little shocked when Keysy came and asked me but I accepted straight away of course. It shows what he and the club think of me.
“I want to repay them with lots of runs and hopefully help Rob where I can.
“I’ve always fancied some captaincy and Keysy has really encouraged me to come forward with any idea I may have. This will give me a taste of it to see if I want to do it full-time in the future.
“I also know I need to start producing scores and big ones regularly.
“I’m 24 now and past the player who has plenty of potential stage, I’ve got to be taking the pressure off the younger batsmen coming through like Daniel Bell-Drummond, Fabian Cowdrey and Sam Billings.
“I went really well last winter in Australia and expected a big season but it just didn’t happen unfortunately.
“So this winter I’ve stayed at home and around the club and worked extremely hard on my game with people I know and trust on the coaching staff – Simon Willis, Matt Walker and Jimmy Adams. I hope it all pays off.”
If Northeast, along with Key, Darren Stevens, cleared to continue his career after being found not guilty of involvement in corruption in the Bangladesh Premier League in 2013, and Brendan Nash can produce the goods with the bat, their much-changed pace attack will surely reap the rewards.
Coach Jimmy Adams and Key identified the need to add experience to their attack – and they’ve added plenty. Former Hampshire bowler David Griffiths, 28, and 31-year- old Aussie Mitchell Claydon from Durham were secured before Christmas, but their most eye-catching new arrival is Doug Bollinger.
The 32-year-old will be at Canterbury for the entire season off the back of a fine domestic campaign that saw him recalled to the Australia squad for the World t20.
“The boys we’ve brought in are all fantastic additions for the club,” added Northeast.
“The club knew the areas they needed to address and they’ve gone out and done that with three quality bowlers. We’ve now got bowlers fighting for places and that should allow us to be a bit fresher across all the formats.
“That, in turn, will allow us to push for trophies because it’s been too long since this club won some silverware.
“We want to put that right. Promotion to Division One is the main aim but we should be strong in one-day cricket as well.”
Northeast believes one of their key signings could have come off the field, with popular former batsman Walker becoming head coach Adams’ No.2.
Walker has moved back to Canterbury after ending his playing career and starting his coaching one north of the M25 at Essex.
“It’s great to have Matt back here at the club where he was a massive influence as a player,” added Northeast.
“He’s Kent through and through and will bring so much energy to the squad and is someone who will command respect immediately for what he achieved here.
“He will work well with Jimmy and I like the direction the club is heading in. There’s a really positive feel about the place.”
