Who would make your all-time Kent XI?

WE carried a feature in this weekend's Kent on Sunday featuring Henry Blofeld's all-time Kent XI. The BBC Test Match Special commentator told us who would be on his team sheet for a one-off game. You can read his Kent XI by clicking here.

As a cricket fan myself, it got me thinking as to who I would choose if persuaded to do so. Henry's Kent XI is filled with players that will live long in the memory of all Kent fans, but I would have to plump for players that I have actually witnessed playing the game.

I have no doubts it would have been an absolute pleasure to have witnessed Derek Underwood bamboozle the opposition’s batsmen and watch Les Ames and Colin Cowdrey take bowling attacks apart.

I unfortunately missed their era and so have instead plumped for a Kent XI that I have actually witnessed play at St Lawrence.

1) Rob Key (1998-present) If he just misses out on “Blowers’” XI then he fits perfectly in mine. Took to captaincy well and the constant calls for an England return tells of his recent batting form.

2) Mark Benson (1980 – 1996) Known for his ability against the quick bowlers and led Kent well during his spell as skipper.

3) Martin van Jaarsveld (2005-present) The South African has been the one steady batter in the current line-up. Scored more than 1,000 runs in his first two seasons and was named PCA Player of the Year in 2008.

4) Aravinda Da Silva. (1995) Tough choice between ‘Ari’ and Carl Hooper, but the Sri Lankan just gets the nod, maybe just for that sparkling innings of 112 in the 1995 Benson and Hedges Cup final.

5) Trevor Ward (1986-1999) Usually opened the innings for Kent but is brought in to toughen up my middle order. A regular heavy run scorer in the Kent side.

6) Mark Ealham (1989-2004) Ealham snags the all-rounder’s spot in my side. A good medium pace bowler who could nibble it both ways and could demolish any bowling attack in the world when in form.

7) Geraint Jones (2001-present) Tough choice between Jones and Steve Marsh for the wicketkeeper’s spot, but Jones just gets it for his batting.

8)Min Patel (1989-2008) Patel played more than 200 games for the county and for the majority of the time as the club’s number one spinner. Also handy as a late order batsman.

9) Dean Headley (1993-2001): Deano will be long remembered
by all Kent fans for his displays for both the county and England.

10) Richard Ellison (1981-1993) He took 71 wickets in a county season and also claimed ten wickets against Australia in 1985.

11) Duncan Spencer (1993-1994) A controversial inclusion but I witnessed ‘that spell’ against Viv Richards at St Lawrence in 1993 and for the West Indian to describe him as the fastest he has ever faced is good enough for me.

Glenn Pearson

What do you think of these two line-ups? Let us know your thoughts and your Kent all-time XI by leaving a comment below.