NEWS Shopper online has a new Kent CCC columnist for the 2013 campaign – freelance journalist and Spitfires fan BRAD PINARD.

THANKFULLY the county cricket season is now in full swing and it is already the same old story for Kent.

The big summer news was spinner and part-time England bowler James Tredwell has taken the captaincy from the long-serving Rob Key.

Key remains a major part of the Spitfires side, but a poor season for him last time out has led him to focus more on his batting, which is proving successful thus far.

The 34-year-old opening batsman has never been the most exciting player to watch, but his form dipped last season and I for one am pleased he can kick on without the burden of the captaincy continuously hanging over him.

An impressive half century in the televised YB40 defeat to leaders Notts has been the highlight for Key as Tredwell looks to continue his own successful career at Canterbury by taking the reins after 12 years at his hometown club.

One issue I have with Tredwell as captain is that England call-ups could massively affect the dynamic of the squad if and when it comes about.

The 31-year-old is back-up to Graeme Swann in the national set-up, which often leaves him in the international squad but not actually playing – a double whammy for Kent.

Key will inevitably take over when Tredwell is absent and, unlike plenty of other counties, the Spitfires are not particularly hampered by international call-ups, something which could see them come strong in the latter stages of the campaign.

Two draws and one defeat in the county championship Division Two so far is not the return coach Jimmy Adams will have wanted, as promotion will have been the aim before a ball was bowled.

A thumping defeat at the hands of Northants last week was a blow and Kent are struggling around the foot of the table, even though it is early days.

The shorter form of the game has been more successful though.

With two wins in three games of the YB40 competition, the one-day specialists tag may begin to stick.

I was surprised to see Brendan Nash confirmed as the Spitfires’ overseas player for the season, but he has certainly put the doubters, especially me, in their place with consistent batting displays in all formats.

With Nash and Key assisting the youngsters at the start of an innings, the base is there to have an impressive season and build on the slow start made in the county championship.

There is no doubt we are short of one world class pace bowler and perhaps a big hitter for the one-day games, but the combination of home-grown players young and old is something to be proud of and could stand us in good stead going forward.

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