Ian Flanagan is praying that his Kent colleague Robert Key enjoys a highly successful international season with England this summer.

The 22-year-old Colchester and East Essex captain, currently acting as 12th man in Kent's Championship match with Warwickshire at Edgbaston, is longing for a chance to play First Class county cricket again.

And the longer top order batsman Key is away, the more chance the former Essex and one-time England Under-19 World Cup winner has of making the vital breakthrough.

"I'd love a chance to play Championship cricket again," said the hungry left-hander and occasional off-break bowler.

Flanagan was acrimoniously released by Essex at the turn of the century after a handful of first team appearances in three professional seasons at Chelmsford.

Signed by the hops county for one year at the end of last summer, with the option of a second season if he performs well, Flanagan went on: "I really need a knock, or two, under my belt.

"But I've had only three innings for Kent this summer.

"I batted well at number six for 46 runs against Sussex at Hove in a one-day friendly where I made a good impression.

"And I also played in a two-day pre-season friendly against Gloucestershire at Canterbury.

The former Colne Community School youngster has worked very hard for his second chance at the top level after trial spells with Somerset, Gloucester and Leicestershire.

Now he would just love to get some real action out in the middle, if only in 2nd XI cricket.

But his next first team call is due as early as Sunday when he is set to carry out the 12th man duties again as Kent take on Worcestershire at New Road in a one-day National League fixture.

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

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