The Denly dynasty continues at Kent Cricket with Jaydn following in uncle Joe’s footsteps with Dad Sam proud of his son.

Kent’s Jaydn Denly is in the England under 19 squad for their “Ashes” series against the Australians which starts in Worcester on Friday, and whilst Uncle Joe is with the Kent squad at Canterbury preparing for Kent’s vital Championship game with Nottinghamshire from Sunday, the Denly family will be there in force, and KSN has been speaking to a very proud father ahead of the game… 

Sam Denly needs little introduction to either football or cricket fans around Kent after playing spells with Whitstable Town before managing Herne Bay and then becoming captain of Whitstable Cricket Club, and when he spoke exclusively to KSN this week, he was a very proud father…  

“It certainly is the overriding emotion,” he admitted. “We knew for a few days before it was announced earlier in the week – he’s on a bit of a journey at the minute, it’s been a crazy month!” 

“He was actually meant to be playing for England schools against the MCC at Lord’s when he got the call which was going to be special occasion for him that we were all looking forward to, but that went out of the window when he got the call telling him he’d been selected for the England under 19 squad to face Australia.”

“It’s a great opportunity for him – we’re really, really proud – and we’re looking forward to hopefully seeing him play on Friday.” 

“We were told the end of last week before the announcement on Tuesday.”

“We’d made plans to go to Lord’s and so we had to tell the family members who had planned to go, but apart from them we had to keep it quiet, which we did somehow!” 

“As a family, we’re all proud of what Joe has done and continues to do and it’s nice to see history repeating itself with Jaydn a little bit – there’s obviously still a long way to go, but he’s making the right noises at the moment!” 

“There were a few rumours around him getting the Kent call for the One Day Cup and that’s why – for me – The Hundred is a good thing as it gives the younger lads an opportunity.”

“I knew that there were some lads that had gone to The Hundred from Canterbury, and I knew that there were a few with niggles, so there was talk that Jaydn might get an opportunity.” 

“Immensely proud again when he did play, and I think he did well!” oozed a very proud Dad.

“His bowling is coming on – he’s an all-rounder which helps, but we were all excited. Going to The Oval to see him make his debut there for the first team was pretty surreal if I’m honest.”

“It was an amazing day, and when he played and did well, we all hoped that there would be an opportunity for him and Joe to play together.”

“That did happen and it was amazing – really good memories and hopefully just the beginning for him.” 

“Jaydn’s been spending a lot of time with Joe – they’re close and Joe was buzzing for him as well.”

“In truth, I think it’s given him a bit of a lease of life although he’s still loving his cricket – he’s been doing it a long time and to have his “little” nephew come into the squad and be around the scene is, I’m sure, great for Joe and he’s probably enjoying playing with him.”

“Joe’s having a decent year – he’s still a very good cricketer. He’s had a few niggles and he himself will admit that he’s not had his best year in the four-day stuff, but in one day cricket, I think that he’s still right up there with the best in the Country.”

“It’s his experience where he’s been there and done it. He’s had a fantastic career and still obviously looks the part, so hopefully he can still have a good few years in the game and what a role model for Jaydn to be working alongside. 

“We’re all really proud that Jaydn is involved with Joe still there…” 

Picture supplied by Ian Scammell.