New Kent captain Daniel Bell-Drummond reflects on his 2023 summer as he is named in PCA team-of-the-year and wins five awards at Kent’s end-of-season awards event

It has been another superb summer for Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond – one he ranks as his best yet.

The 30-year-old again received plenty of plaudits this term. He was included in the PCA team-of-the-year and claimed five gongs at Kent’s end-of-season awards - players’ player-of-the-year, player-of-the-year, batsman-of-the-year, white-ball player-of-the-year and moment-of-the-year for his triple ton at Northamptonshire.

“I’ve had a great season personally,” reflected Bell-Drummond, speaking before he was named Kent’s new captain yesterday.

“It’s probably been my best season as a professional sportsman so I’m very happy with that.

“I was glad I could do it in all three forms and very happy that I could play 50-over cricket. That’s probably my favourite format, to be honest.

“I’m very happy.”

Others to make the PCA team-of-the-year were former Kent overseas bowler Matt Henry, this year with Somerset, Essex’s Simon Harmer, Surrey seam bowler Dan Worrall, Durham’s Alex Lees and Hampshire captain James Vince.

Bell-Drummond, who was with London Spirit for The Hundred competition but ended up not making their side and playing for Spitfires in the 50-over competition, said: “I’d have liked a few more runs in the Championship but the triple hundred was a great day and a great game for me.

“I’ve worked very hard, I’ll continue to work hard, and it’s great that it ended up bearing fruit this year.

“I’m in my prime. I think I’m the best I’ve been as a cricketer. I want to keep improving and I’ll try my best to keep doing that.”

Bell-Drummond’s sizzling June form saw him score a staggering 867 runs at 86.70.

“It was amazing,” he enthused.

“I was nervous before every game - like normal - but I just felt in brilliant form and I was glad