Daniel Bell-Drummond admitted that his first Championship century was “something he’d dreamed about” after making 101 against Derbyshire.

The 20-year-old batsman made his third three-figure score for Kent, but his first in a County Championship encounter, helping the side to 259-8 at stumps on an even opening day at Canterbury.

The Lewisham-born opener spoke after play of his relief at reaching the milestone.

“It was something I’ve dreamed about for ages”, he said. “I’ve wanted it for ages now, so it was brilliant that it came today.”

Bell-Drummond had looked on course for his first Championship hundred in the second innings of Kent’s last home game against Essex, before falling for an excellent 92. This time, however, he was able to push on to bring up the three figures.

“Against Essex, I didn’t feel very good at all. It wasn’t coming naturally, so I had to fight for every run and it almost made me concentrate more”, Bell-Drummond explained.

“Today [against Derbyshire], I felt pretty good, but I found the wicket very tough. I just made a plan that I was going to play certain shots or not play certain shots. Today it was more of a conscious plan – it’s just worked out that way that I’ve been more patient.”

Bell-Drummond 268-ball knock sees him top the Kent averages; his century now sitting alongside the four fifties he has already made in the 2014 campaign.

“I’ve hit quite a few fifties and not gone on – the conversion rate hasn’t been great”, the youngster said of his season so far.

“Thankfully today I was able to carry on. I still should have gone on – unfortunately I got out at the end, but to get to a milestone like that was something I really enjoyed.”

Bell-Drummond represented England at under-15s, 17s and 19s level, and is one of a crop of promising young players coming through the ranks at Kent. The right-handed bat put his maiden Championship ton up there with the highlights of his young career so far.

“It’s definitely up there”, he said. “This and probably Taunton for the T20 [where he hit his maiden T20 fifty with 59 from 30 balls] – obviously two different extremes – one was 13 overs-a-side, one was a four-day game, but for a buzz, definitely.

“It’s something you dream about and something I’ve wanted for a while, so today was one of the best days.

“Hopefully we can continue well in the game and get one of the victories that we really need.”

 

Picture supplied by www.sarahansellphotography.com