Kent batsman Jack Leaning has had an electric start to the 2021 Vitality Blast season, and has suggested he “has a feeling it is going to continue”.

Leaning has scored 146 runs in three innings so far at an average of 73, including a match-winning 81 not out in a tense five run victory over Gloucestershire on Sunday.

Speaking after the win at the weekend, Leaning explained that the key to his success so far has been the comfort he has in his role in the side.

He said: “I feel like I really understand my game and what I am trying to do from different scenarios in T20, which is a massive confidence booster for me, when you get a scenario like that and you have it mapped out in your head of how you want it to go.

“I have actually enjoyed the scenarios and getting in early because you give yourself a chance to get to know the pitch and the pace of it. In T20 you always have a lot longer than you think – the game looks like it goes quite franticly, but once you are in, if you have got a clear game plan it can really help out.”

Leaning struggled for form at the start of the red ball season, registering scores of 0, 0, 12, 0, 2 and 8 in the County Championship after an opening day 79. He did however hit his sixth first-class century against Sussex at Hove in mid-May, and his form has been on an upwards curve ever since.

But he insists there is no secret.

He said: “Not much had changed I don’t think. I came into this season really confident, got a 50 first day against Northants and then bagged a pair against my old club, which probably wasn’t ideal! 

“It was one of those times where I didn’t feel out of form, but I felt out of runs a bit. Looking through footage and analysing what was going on, I didn’t really do anything different. Sometimes you just go through patches like that, and you have to trust the work you have done. 

“I have done a lot of work with Michael Yardy (Kent batting coach), taking each game as it comes and not getting too concerned and knowing the things I am doing are the right things, and the way I play I know I will score runs. It is just a matter of when, not if.

“I feel really confident at the moment, so hopefully I can have a big season in the Blast and help the boys as much as possible.”

Leaning has been batting at five for Kent this season in the Blast and has found himself in early in their last two games: after 3.4 overs against Middlesex with Kent 34/3 and after three overs against Gloucestershire with the Spitfires at 16/3.

He has however been relishing the challenge, and the situations and battles the former Yokrshireman has found himself in have brought out the best in him. 

“As a young player you try and find your best way of playing,” he said. “I feel quite experienced in T20 cricket now – I have batted in the five or six role most of my career and it is quite a fun role. 

“I don’t really feel any pressure because if you come in at the end you have to score as quick as you can and there is every chance you might get out, but equally if you come in early the opposition is doing pretty well and then you have to dig in. 

“I think that is my best way of playing. Luckily it has come off last few games and I have a feeling it is going to continue.”

Leaning will be in action again when Kent travel to Somerset for their fourth game of the competition on Tuesday evening before a trip to Wales to face Glamorgan on Wednesday.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Leaning. “The boys are so full of confidence I’m not sure it matters who we play next.

“We are feeling good, and we are really happy with where our game is at. Hopefully we can make it five from five by the time we are back at Canterbury.”

Picture supplied by Kent Cricket.