The Bat and Ball Collection
Some of the cricket bats and balls that are a real part of the history of our great club.
We are proud to be the custodians of a number of match used cricket bats and balls that are a real part of the history of our great club.
Notable bats in our collection include those used by Les Ames in scoring his 100th first-class century at Canterbury in 1950, Colin Cowdrey when scoring two centuries against Australia at Canterbury in 1961, and another bat used by Alfred Mynn in the 19th Century. More recent contributions feature Carl Hooper’s bat used when scoring his 1,000th run in 1996, as well as those used by Mark Benson and Matthew Walker in compiling double-centuries for Kent.
Our collection of cricket balls features several significant items, many of which are mounted and accompanied by silver plaques. Highlights include the ball used by Tich Freeman in securing his 300th wicket during the 1928 season—a remarkable achievement—alongside match balls awarded to David Sayer for completing a hat-trick and to Doug Wright upon taking his 2,000th career wicket. Another notable item is the ball from the Kent versus Australia match at Canterbury in 1899, where the county claimed a memorable victory.
