Kent captain Sam Billings speaks of the quality in the Kent Cricket League divisions amid bowler Arafat Bhuiyan’s rapid rise

Captain Sam Billings insists club cricket can be a “huge benefit” after Kent bowler Arafat Bhuiyan’s rapid rise this season.

Bhuiyan made his Kent first-team debut in the County Championship Division 1 clash at Surrey last month - five days after taking 4-26 in a two-run defeat for Blackheath at St Lawrence & Highland Court in the Kent League Premier Division.

The 26-year-old went on to take 4-65 in the first innings at The Kia Oval, dismissing England internationals Ollie Pope, Will Jacks and Ben Foakes along with Jamie Smith, but couldn’t stop Kent losing by 10 wickets.

His first-innings efforts capped an eventful week for the Bangladesh-born player, though, in which he signed professional terms for the rest of 2023.

Many other Kent players have played in the top tier of the county’s club set-up this summer, including Spitfires’ one-day specialist Alex Blake who is Hayes skipper.

“People have so many different opinions around club cricket and what the benefit of it is,” said Billings, who celebrated his 32nd birthday earlier this week.

“I see it as a huge benefit.

“You see a lot of guys here that have come through that club system and benefitted through that from a development point-of-view.

“Arafat, not only in club cricket, but also in pre-season was fantastic.

“He’s been a real shining light and provided real optimism in pre-season when he was bowling at us.

“He’s always been impressive and has got what he deserves. Of course, it’s a huge step up, it’s pretty obvious that it’s a huge step up.

“Obviously you go from club cricket to second-team cricket and then second-team cricket to first-team cricket.

“There’s huge value in that - but the steps are there for a reason.

“It’s just great when you see a story like