Kent spinner Adam Riley said the side were “pretty pleased” with how the first day of their Championship game with Surrey had gone.

Riley took 4-77 from 24 overs on day one of the game as Surrey reached 276-8 at the close of play, having won the toss and chosen to bat.

The 22-year-old off-spinner admitted that while it had been a decent enough day for the home side, a little bit of luck could have made it an even better one.

“We’re pretty pleased with how it went”, Riley said.

“A couple of things went against us today – if we’d had the rub of the green, they might have been 250 all out, but it was probably an even day.

“If we get two quick wickets tomorrow then it’ll definitely be advantage us.”

Riley was the pick of the bowlers despite the fact it was a first day pitch, and the Sidcup-born spinner was satisfied with his performance.

“It’s always a bonus to pick up wickets on a first day. I thought I’d be in more of a containing role today, but it did spin a little bit so I was pleased to pick up four wickets.”

“I’ll probably get an extended run now with Treddy [James Tredwell] in the [England] one-day squad for the best part of the month. Hopefully I’ll get a few four-day games and I’ll keep taking some wickets and showing the guys what I can do.”

“Hopefully tomorrow I can try and get another one and get myself five”, he said.

Riley’s good form has seen murmurings about potentially being on England’s radar from some quarters, with the national side on the lookout for young spinning talent.

At present, though, Riley said he was keen to simply keep performing for Kent.

“I’m at the stage of my career where I’m still learning the trade, as it were. I’m not getting too caught up in the England situation and who’s going to be the next spinner for them, but if you keep taking wickets, you throw your name in the hat.

“I’ve only just got into the first team, so to start thinking about anything else would be foolish of me. Mother Cricket might come and give me a bite on the bum and all of a sudden I’ll find myself in the 2s again! I’m just focusing on bowling some overs in the first team at Kent.”

 

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