Kent’s South African overseas all-rounder George Linde on finding form, their T20 Blast campaign and becoming a father this year

South African overseas all-rounder George Linde is out to prove to Kent’s fans just what he can do this summer.

Linde, 31, has found some form in Spitfires’ last two T20 defeats after enduring a tough first season of his two-year all-format deal with Kent.

He scored an 11-ball 22 not out and took 2-28 in Sunday’s last-ball loss at home to Surrey, two days after inspiring a similarly positive finish to their innings in the seven-wicket defeat to Glamorgan in Cardiff with 26 not out in 12 balls.

Linde, who found rhythm over the winter in his native country, said: “I was playing good cricket before I came.

“I struggled in the first couple of games. But I’m still pretty confident, I still back myself, I know what player I can be, and I’ve got to prove to the Kent fans who I really am.

“Hopefully, this season it will happen. I’m pretty confident that it will.”

Linde arrived at Kent in 2022 with a knock. There were glimpses of what he could do - being involved in a 264-run fifth-wicket partnership against a Sri Lanka Development XI a highlight - although Linde never quite hit top form.

He feels in a good space this term but isn’t yet firing on all cylinders.

“Last year was a tough year,” he admitted. “Mentally, I was struggling and, physically, I was struggling.

“But now I’m feeling good, feeling positive. I’m not there yet - but I’m almost there.

“What you have seen in the last couple of games, that’s more like me.

“Hopefully, I can put in some matchwinning performances.”

Linde missed the start of this summer with Kent after becoming a dad in March. Fatherhood comes with perks - but also added responsibility - for the left-hander.

He said: “It’s nice. After a tough day at the office, you go back home, see your baby, just