Kent: Kent seamer Matt Milnes has heaped praise on his bowling partner Hasan Mahmud, calling the Bangladesh pacer a "top, top bowler" after his impressive return to county cricket. Kent were in a strong position after the third day of their County Championship Division Two match against Worcestershire, leading by 296 runs with the hosts placed 84 for three at stumps.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud, who recently took nine wickets including a six-wicket haul in Bangladesh's Test win over Australia in Darwin, showcased his prowess by picking up four wickets for 68 on his return to the county side. His performance has earned him the second-best strike rate, 30.37, among bowlers with at least ten wickets in this season's Division Two.
Milnes expressed his admiration for Hasan's contribution to the team, saying, "Hasan obviously brings something special to our attack, so it's a lovely bonus having him back. I think he hits the stumps slightly harder than mine! But yeah, as I said, he just brings that X-factor." Milnes further commented on Hasan's unusual bowling action, noting that it makes him difficult to face. "He can bowl good pace, his action's a little bit different, tricky to pick up and he's a top, top bowler. I'd rather he was in my side than playing against him," he added.
In addition to Hasan's bowling, Sam Northeast played a crucial role by scoring 132 runs as Kent made 358 in their second innings, despite tough batting conditions. Milnes also contributed by taking two wickets for 21 runs, reducing Worcestershire to 39 for three. Brett D'Oliveira and Adam Hose then steadied the innings before bad light ended play early, with Worcestershire closing on 84 for three.