Kent bowler Nathan Gilchrist backed by head coach Matt Walker to have a successful international career one day

Kent’s Nathan Gilchrist is being backed to have a successful international career one day.

Bowler Gilchrist enjoyed a great first couple of weeks in 2023, earning an England Lions call-up and also having his Kent contract extended until the end of next season.

The 22-year-old is Kent’s reigning young player-of-the-year and bowler-of-the-year and has come on leaps and bounds since joining in 2020, initially on loan.

“We’ve got high hopes for Nathan,” said head coach Matt Walker.

“We’ve been so impressed with his progress since he joined us.

“He has worked very hard at his game and, last year, I think we saw the very best of him at times.

"He’s still learning and he’s still young.

“We have got to remember that, but we all believe that he has got a very high ceiling and all the attributes to go on and be a very successful international cricketer.”

Although he didn’t get picked to play either of the England Lions’ two Tests in Sri Lanka, it’s hoped the experience of having been with the squad will help him find another level to his game.

Walker said: “To get rewarded with a Lions trip is wonderful for him.

"It’ll give him great confidence that he’s been thought of.

“To go and be involved in that set-up at his age is fantastic. I’m sure he’ll learn a huge amount.

“Just sometimes, the nod you get from being involved gives a great boost. He’s very confident around his ability and his skills but, when you do get recognised, it’s great.

“It gives you that belief you are doing the right things and being recognised.”