Kent’s Calum Haggett has told KSN he was “pretty happy” with his first season at the club, but wants to push on in 2014.

The 23-year-old was a regular feature in Kent’s four-day side last year, playing in 11 of the club’s 16 County Championship fixtures, and performing well, averaging a more than healthy 42 with the bat, and picking up 26 wickets at an average of 35.

Haggett also revealed to KSN, however, that a minor injury picked up during his winter in Australia will see him miss the start of the 2014 campaign.

“I’ve got a bit of a niggle at the moment in my side so I’m out for a few weeks”, he told KSN when we caught up with him on the club’s annual press day.

“It’s a bit of a downer, but I’m trying to get fit so I can get back going as soon as possible.”

“I was down in Australia for four months – just outside Brisbane. I had a good time out there, and enjoyed myself, but I struggled bowling-wise after Christmas because I still had the side injury which is still nagging me now.

“I learned a lot out there, and hopefully when it comes round to me bowling again and playing, I can take that on and do well for Kent.”

Despite being a regular face in the Championship side last term, Haggett made just four appearances in limited overs cricket during the season, something he wants to look to improve on in 2014.

“I’m not looking to focus on any one [format] in particular”, he said. “I’m just hoping to put my name in the frame for all formats, and hopefully do well and work hard in all of them.”

“Overall I was pretty happy with my season last year, especially with the red ball. I felt that I could offer quite a lot to team, but I think there are still a lot of improvements I can make with both the red  ball and the white ball as well, where I was found wanting a bit.

“Hopefully with what I learned over in Oz, I can move on and improve.”

Haggett’s batting was a positive for Kent in 2013, as he averaged more than 40 from his 13 Championship innings, with a top score of 44 not out. He explained to KSN how his injury had restricted his bowling while in Australia, but allowed him to work on his skills with the bat in hand.

“One of the bright spots about not being able to bowl after Christmas was that I could work on my batting”, he said.

“I’m still working hard at it and trying to improve it and hopefully I can push up the order with some good scores, but I know I need to do that to get the chance. I’ll keep going with trying to get the all-rounder tag but bowling at the moment is still my main aim.”

With a number of new faces in the squad, Haggett is confident of progress for the team this year.

“We’re definitely confident. The squad looks stronger than last year, and hopefully that means we can challenge for more silverware this season, but only time will tell.”

 

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