South African seamer Keith Dudgeon took eight wickets in Kent’s 145-run win over Northamptonshire in the County Championship, division two, this week.
Dudgeon took one wicket in Northamptonshire’s first innings and seven in the second for match figures of eight for 69 in Northampton.
“Keith is a great signing we’ve got here at Kent. What an impact – it’s a dream start to his Kent career,” said Kent head coach Adam Hollioake.
“He’s popular in the changing room already, he’s a lovely guy and you can just feel the enthusiasm and aggression coming off him, that’s what we need.”
The seven for 36 are Dudgeon’s best innings figures in first-class cricket. He plays for Boland in South African domestic cricket.
“I found it quite hard to run into the breeze, but then obviously hitting my straps when the breeze dropped off a little bit and landed the ball in the right areas. And thank goodness the boys caught them at the back,” said Dudgeon.
“It’s a lovely group of boys at Kent. They were pretty quick to give me the nickname ‘The Rhino’. I don’t know where that came from, but it was so welcoming.
“I was welcomed into the dressing room. I got a spot straight away. Everyone spoke to me with respect. Everyone was so friendly, that’s all you can ask for.
“Coming in as a as an overseas you never really know what you’re going to get and the boys were absolutely awesome, from the coaching staff to the youngsters in the side.”