Wicketz receives funding boost from LNER

Denly, 32, followed in the footsteps of fellow Kent players Sam Billings and Daniel Bell-Drummond, and signed up to be a Lord’s Taverners ambassador in May. His first activity in the role was to present a wheelchair accessible minibus to Marjorie McClure School in Chislehurst.

It follows a successful season for the all-rounder who was recently called up to the England Test squad for the series in Sri Lanka in November. Denly finished the Specsavers County Championship season with 828 runs at an average of 34.50 and 23 wickets at 18.52. His fine summer also saw him named as the MVP for both the One-Day Cup and Vitality Blast competitions.

Speaking at Marjorie McClure School in May about becoming a Lord’s Taverners ambassador, Denly said: "It's great to be on board with such an amazing charity and hopefully there's many more opportunities for myself to get involved and help young kids that are less fortunate than others. I've just recently become a father, so it was an easy decision to become a Lord's Taverners ambassador given the work they do helping young people."

On the awarding of his testimonial, Denly added: “It is a huge honour to be awarded a testimonial at my home club. It all started at Kent when I was 11-years-old. I progressed into the academy at 16 and was awarded my first pro contract at 17. The dream had come true! I am also very excited to be supporting the Lord’s Taverners as one as my chosen charities. Thank you to Kent County Cricket Club for awarding me the testimonial."