Kent head coach Matt Walker holds clear-the-air meeting with squad in bid to restore confidence after meek defence of T20 Blast title

Head coach Matt Walker wants Kent’s players to press the reset button on their season.

Spitfires’ dismal attempt at retaining their T20 Blast trophy ended after back-to-back defeats last weekend against Hampshire and Middlesex.

Defeat at Lord’s on Sunday afternoon led to a lengthy post-match discussion in the dressing room.

“We’ve had a long chat in the dressing room, some pretty honest chat in there, and we’ve put all the baggage behind us - which there has been plenty of this season,” revealed Walker.

“Some people haven’t had the seasons they’d have liked.

“We start again from now and give everything we can for the rest of the season, whatever format it is, and hopefully it doesn’t eke into any other competition.

“There’s still a lot to play for, some really important games of cricket coming up, and a new competition to look forward to in the Royal London Cup. Hopefully we can get something out of this season.”

The regular theme of Kent underperforming with bat and ball in T20 action in the past month sees them rooted to the foot of the South Group table.

They’ve lost nine of their 11 matches after Tuesday's five-run defeat to Gloucestershire and Walker is hoping a clear-the-air meeting, which saw players as well as management have their say, will draw a line in the sand.

“You hope it comes a bit more from the players as well,” said Walker of their lengthy inquest.

“The coaches drove it, along with the captain. There was some good discussion after the game, an honest discussion.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find the words when you’re losing or you feel like you’re saying the same thing over and over again.

“I think that’s always a frustration as a coach or a captain, it’s the same things you’re seeing. How do you readdress