Alex Blake says the Kent squad is already looking forward to their six days of cricket scheduled at the County Ground, Beckenham, next season.

The Spitfires will make the trip to Beckenham for two one-day games in June and a County Championship fixture in September.

For 26-year-old Blake, the Beckenham fixtures hold added significance.

“I’m a local boy having played for Beckenham so it is extra special for me – but all of the team enjoy our visits there,” he said.

“It’s generally a good pitch, a decent crowd and it’s a good place to play cricket.

“We returned to the ground last year after a little exile. We always enjoy playing there and I think we generally play quite well at Beckenham.

“The whole squad will be desperate to put on a good show.”

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Surrey will visit Beckenham on June 5 for a one-day game and Blake insists the Kent team have already pinpointed the fixture as a highlight of the season.

“With it being on the border or Surrey, plenty of away supporters and members come along which adds to the atmosphere,” he said.

“It’s already a game that both teams are looking forward to. Hopefully we can get one over them.”

As well as hosting games, the County Ground offers exemplary facilities which help produce the next generation of cricketers from the local area.

“They are first-class facilities,” Blake explained. “The sports hall is incredible – the whole place gives local talent the opportunity to train and improve their game.”

Blake enjoyed a fine season last summer and starred in the shorter forms of the game.

The belligerent batsman is unsure as to what inspired the upturn in form, but hopes a winter of hard work will provide similar results next summer.

He added: “I can’t put it down to one thing really.

“I found a nice role in the team and got on a good run. I felt confident.

“I will be working hard over the winter on the one-day stuff, but I’ll also be looking at my four-day game and pushing to get in that side as well.”

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