Blewett braced for new challenge

By Scott Heinrich

Greg Blewett is aiming to put the disappointment of missing the World Cup behind him by shining for Kent.

Blewett was thought unlucky not to make Australia's World Cup squad

He was overlooked by the Australian selectors despite a domestic season that saw him top the run-scoring lists for the Pura Cup and the ING one-day competition.

And he has arrived at Canterbury hungry to do well, even though he is contracted for just six weeks as cover for fellow countryman Andrew Symonds.

"It's good to be back," Blewett, who has had previous stints with Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, told the BBC Sport Website.

"I've been trying for the last three months to set some sort of county deal lined up and it wasn't looking promising until a couple of weeks ago when I chatted with Kent."

If Blewett plays well the door could remain open at Kent, who have a vacant overseas spot on their roster of players.

But the veteran of 46 Tests and 32 one-dayers says he is looking no further than the coming six weeks.

"At this stage I'm just looking to fit into the team, getting to know the boys and playing well.

Kent have given me an opportunity and it's up to me to take that

Greg Blewett

"If that happens things should take care of themselves and if Kent ask me to stay on I would certainly look at it."

In 2001, Blewett became the second player in Notts history to make a century on debut for the club.

And the stylish strokeplayer is in the kind of form to reap Kent instant dividends as well.

"You can always do better but I had no complaints, and to top the run-scorers in both competitions in Australia was an achievement.

"I scored the most number of runs, but I came second in the player of the year award to Justin Langer, who played two or three less games than me and had a better average."

The South Australian feels he can break back into the national side, even though he was passed over for the World Cup.

Blewett was in top form for South Australia in the Aussie domestic season

"I was very disappointed to be honest because I was having a really good season," Blewett explains.

"I'm only 31 and when you look at guys like Hayden, Langer and Gilchrist, they're about the same age and they're playing the best in their career just like I feel I am.

"I spoke with the selectors just before I came to Kent and they feel the same way, that if there is a position that comes up I should be around the mark."

But of more immediate concern to Blewett is Kent, and helping them get the season off to a good start.

"I'm really impressed with the ground at Canterbury and I love the lifestyle playing county cricket.

"Kent are one of the better teams in the country and we're quite optimistic about the summer."