Crawley's eager to cap breakthrough season in fine style

Surrey v Kent October 1, Kia Oval, 1 pm

- Peter White

ZAK Crawley insists lifting the first silverware of his career with Kent would be the perfect way to cap of a stellar year.

After announcing himself on the international Test stage with a double century against Pakistan in August, the 22-yearold slipped effortlessly into Kent’s white-ball efforts, producing 31 from 19 against Middlesex just four days later.

The Canterbury-based side were left frustrated in the Bob Willis Trophy as they missed out on the final by eight points.

However, despite two defeats in their final three T20 Blast games threatened their progression from the South Group in the shorter format, they remain firmly in the hunt for a Finals Day place.

Table-toppers Surrey were the latest team to get the better of 2007 champions Kent, with Jason Roy (72 from 52) and Laurie Evans (73 from 45) spearheading a ruthless attack that inspired a six-wicket win at the Kia Oval.

But as Crawley and the rest of the Spitfires prepare for their second trip to London in less than two weeks, the Bromley-born star is confident they can recapture the form that yielded five wins from ten and progress to the last four.

“They’re a good side with some great players, but if we turn up on the day, we can easily beat Surrey,” said Crawley.