Head Coach Jimmy Adams has told KSN bringing wicketkeeper Adam Rouse into Kent Cricket is to provide adequate cover for Sam Billings.
The 22 year old Zimbabwean has been drafted in on a six week trial period as cover for Billings with understudy Ryan Davies currently on England Under 19 duty down in Australia and not due back until the end of the month.
Rouse is back with Kent for a second trial having featured for Hampshire and Gloucestershire in the past couple of seasons and will play Second XI cricket whilst providing cover should he be needed.
Since Geraint Jones’ departure at the end of last summer, Kent have been looking to the future and Billings is certainly that, but that could come at a price for Kent.
The talented wicketkeeper batsman has been tipped to play for England in the One Day International against Ireland on Friday 8th May, just two days after the Third Test in the West Indies ends.
Kent play Leicestershire in their first home County Championship game of the season beginning on Sunday 3rd May and start their four day game at Canterbury against Glamorgan the following week.
For that reason, Rouse has been brought in and Adams told KSN how he is happy to use him if needs be:
“We have brought in Adam Rouse for six weeks as we didn’t want to get caught short with both keepers away.”
“Sam had a good season last year and that’s been recognised by the England selectors quite deservedly.”
“It’s going to be an interesting phase of his career. There is a pressure of expectancy, but I think he is a strong lad, both physically and mentally, and I’m looking forward to watching him grow through this phase.”
“If he does well enough to be selected by England against any opposition, then it is a feather in the cap for the county and for everyone that’s been involved in his development.”
“We have got a very strong Academy system here that’s churning out decent players and we are reaping the benefits now.”
Rouse will continue to play Second XI cricket for Kent until a decision is needed to be made as to whether the club register him for first eleven duties.