'Top, top bowler': Kent's Milnes full of praise for Hasan Mahmud

Kent seamer Matt Milnes was full of praise for his bowling partner Hasan Mahmud after the Bangladesh pacer continued his merry run of form on his return to county cricket.

Kent found themselves in a strong position after day three of their ongoing match on Friday, leaving Worcestershire on 84-3 at Stumps and leading by 296 runs. Hasan, who claimed nine wickets, including a six-for, in Bangladesh's dismantling of Australia in Darwin last month, was quickly on the mark on his return for Kent, picking up 4-68.

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Hasan now has the second-best strike rate of 30.37 among bowlers who have taken at least 10 wickets in Division Two this season. With Kent challenging for promotion and currently sitting third in the standings, Milnes believes Hasan has been something of an X-factor for the side.

“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 said after the second day's play, when Hasan's four-for helped Kent secure a 21-run first-innings lead.

Milnes believes Hasan is a particularly tricky customer because of his unusual bowling action.

“He can bowl good pace, his action’s a little bit different, tricky to pick up and he’s a top, top bowler. So, as I said, we’re very, very lucky to have him and he just brings that slightly different dynamic to our attack. I'd rather he was in my side than playing against him.”

Sam Northeast struck 132 as the promotion hopefuls made 358 in their second innings in difficult batting conditions. Milnes then took two for 21 to help reduce the visitors to 39 for 3, but Brett D’Oliveira and Adam Hose prevented further damage before bad light brought an early end to the day's proceedings.