THE re-building of Kent’s new cricket academy may have temporarily ground to a halt but work to unearth the county’s best young cricketers continued with the announcement of the Kent Academy intake for 2004/5.

Six of Kent’s inaugural 10 scholars from last year’s class are retained, whilst three of the ten; Simon Cusden, Joe Denly and Richard Piesley, have made their first team debuts this summer.

In announcing the new scholars Kent’s academy coach Paul Farbrace, the former England Under-19 and England Women’s coach, said: “The ECB want us to be judged on players coming through the academy to play first-class cricket and then go on and play for England, so this is a very good start.

“We also have people all the way through the age groups competing in national squads. This winter we have three in the England Under-15 party, one at Under-19 and two in the Under-17 programme.

“Added to that four of the 12 wrist spinners in Terry Jenner’s elite programme are from Kent. David Smith (Thanet), Robert Goatham (Sittingbourne), Luke Samarasinghe (Canterbury) and Dominic Campbell (Sittingbourne) will be working with the likes of Shane Warne and that has to be fantastic for them.

“We are delighted that the likes of Cusden, Denly and Piesely have come through to play in the Kent team this year, now we want them to push on and play 40, 50 first-class games or more. Then we know the job is done and if we get 30 per cent come through I’d think that’s a pretty good return for your money.”

The success of those three, who should all win Kent development contracts for 2005, is a sure sign the county’s new production line of young stars is on the move. And Farbrace believes this year’s crop of 11 will also reap rich pickings.

“The 10 last years were the best of the best if you like, and we’ve retained six of those for a second year. We are allowed up to 12 scholars so have left one place free over the winter in case someone else comes to the fore.

“Our policy decision is not to go any younger than 14-years-old, and I would think a three or four year period in the academy ought to be long enough. It’s not really a difficult decision to select the final intake because it’s an on-going process throughout the year.

“The selection panel of me, Simon Willis, Chris Stone and ECB South of England coach Phil Relf are following the KYC Excellence programme from Under-nines on. "Added to that we have lads like Warren Lee and Tom Parsons, who came a little from left field. Warren was recommended for the Academy by Chris Swadkin, who has years and years of Kent League experience, if a guy like that says I’ve a lad you might be impressed with then you tend to listen.

“Tom has forced his way in with his record for The Mote this year. He’s 16, opening the bowling in the first division of the Kent League and never seems to go for more than two an over.

“Then we have young Sam Northeast, who we’ve been aware of for three years and is a hugely talented player and all-round sportsman. He scores hundreds for fun, but because he plays so many sports and is away at Harrow we will have to manage his cricket time quite carefully.”

The scholars started their induction on September 5 and their winter programmes will commence on October 11 to include one-to-one coaching a personal fitness programmes.

Kent Academy scholars 2004/5:

Michael Barber, 14 (New scholar). Right-handed bat and wicketkeeper from Sackville College. Represented Kent U-14 and U-15, South of England and Sevenoaks Vine.

Alex Blake, 15 (Second year scholar). Left-handed bat and seamer from Hayes School. Represented Kent U-15 and U-17, South of England and HSBC.

Paul Dixey, 16 (Second year scholar). Right-handed bat and wicketkeeper from King's School, Canterbury. Represented Kent U-17, 2nd XI and St Lawrence and Highland Court.

Lydia Greenway, 19 (Second year scholar). Left-handed bat, off-spinner and one of the best female fielders in the game. Represented England, Kent and Hayes Hurricanes.

Charlie Hemphrey, 15 (Second year scholar). Right-handed bat and off-spinner from Harvey Grammar. Represented Kent U-15, U-17, South of England and Hythe.

James Iles, 14 (New scholar). Right-handed bat and seamer from Maidstone Grammar School. Represented Kent U-14, U-15, South of England and Lordswood.

Kevin Jones, 17 (Second year scholar). Right-handed bat and seamer from Gore Court. Represented and captained Kent U-17, and played for Kent 2nd XI and England U-17.

Warren Lee, 17 (New scholar). Right-arm seamer and middle-order bat from Blackheath College. Represented Kent U-17, 2nd XI and Blackheath.

Johan Malcolm, 18 (Second year scholar). Right-handed bat and off-spinner taking a year out from Loughborough University. Formerly of Eltham College, has represented Kent 2nd XI and Beckenham.

Sam Northeast, 14 (New scholar). Right-handed bat and leg-spinner from Harrow School. Represented South of England U-14, U-15 and Sandwich.

Tom Parsons, 17 (New scholar). Right-arm seamer and lower order bat from Maidstone Grammar. Represented Kent U-17 and The Mote.