‘Keeper Callum Jackson set for Kent debut at Essex
Saturday 2nd July 2016
Former England Under-19 wicketkeeper Callum Jackson is set to make his senior Kent debut against Essex in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chelmsford, starting on Sunday (3 July).
The former Sussex player replaces Sam Billings who is away on international duty with England for the IT20 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
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With deputy gloveman Adam Rouse sidelined with a finger injury, Kent have registered the right-hander, who substituted Rouse at Cardiff last week after several appearances for Kent’s second eleven this summer.
The 21-year-old, will wear the shirt number 21, said: “I went up to Cardiff to finish the Championship match and I knew there may be a chance to play with Sam Billings going away on England duty.
“I am chuffed to be involved and I know a few of the lads from second XI cricket so it was good to meet the senior players who welcomed me into the dressing room and I felt I kept pretty well there.
“I have also played a few games with Essex this year and went on their pre-season tour so it’ll be good to come up against a few familiar faces there.
“I enjoy the challenge of four-day cricket and am really looking forward to it.”
South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada will also make his County Championship debut at Chelmsford so New Zealand opener Tom Latham will not feature as Kent can only field one overseas player.
Fabian Cowdrey comes into the squad after Iconic Man of the Match performances with bat and ball in the last two NatWest T20 Blast matches.
Daniel Bell-Drummond (hand), Calum Haggett (ankle) and Adam Riley (side) miss out with injuries and Matt Coles is unavailable.
For the hosts, England Test captain Alastair Cook plays in preparation of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and all-rounder Jesse Ryder is rested.
Kent squad: 17 Sam Northeast (c), 6 Joe Denly, 58 Sean Dickson, 30 Fabian Cowdrey, 10 Alex Blake, 24 Adam Ball, 3 Darren Stevens, 21 Callum Jackson (wk), 8 Mitch Claydon, 15 James Tredwell, 52 Kagiso Rabada, 5 Ivan Thomas.
Essex squad: 27 Ryan ten Doeschate (c), 7 James Foster (wk), 25 Ravi Bopara, 10 Nick Browne, 26 Alastair Cook, 28 Dan Lawrence, 9 David Masters, 32 Jaik Mickleburgh, 17 Graham Napier, 44 Jamie Porter, 94 Matt Quinn, 21 Tom Westley, 99 Ashar Zaidi.
Essex v Kent stats:
Kent have only beaten Essex once in their last eight attempts although that victory did come in the most recent meeting (D4 L3).
Essex are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak over Kent at home (W2 D2).
Kent come into this game on a 12-game unbeaten run (W3 D9) whilst Essex lost to Leicestershire in their most recent outing.
Tom Westley (Essex) has recorded more fours than any other batsman (either division) this season (108).
Jamie Porter is four dismissals away from 100 wickets in this format.