Matt Milnes credits Hollioake's response to early defeat for Kent promotion

Matt Milnes has credited head coach Adam Hollioake's handling of an early-season setback with helping Kent secure promotion in the County Championship. Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, the seamer said Hollioake eased the pressure on the players after a heavy defeat, rather than delivering the reprimand they had anticipated.

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Kent lost to Worcestershire by an innings and two runs in April, in their third Division Two match of the season. They subsequently won eight of their remaining 11 games to finish second and earn promotion. Milnes said Hollioake encouraged the squad to enjoy their cricket, describing the response as effective man management to which the players reacted positively.

The successful campaign also marked a sustained return to action for Milnes, who rejoined Kent for 2026 after an injury-disrupted spell at Yorkshire. A succession of back injuries had limited his appearances there, but the 32-year-old missed only two of Kent's Championship matches this season. He finished as the county's leading wicket-taker in the competition, claiming 54 wickets at an average of 20.03.

That total placed Milnes fifth among Division Two's wicket-takers. He told BBC Radio Kent that there had been moments during the campaign when he feared his body might not hold up, and credited the backroom staff with understanding his physical needs. He also pointed to his own greater experience in managing those demands after the difficulties of previous seasons.

Milnes said he had played more cricket this year than in the previous three or four years, making his availability a source of satisfaction alongside Kent's results. His account linked the team's recovery with two forms of support: Hollioake's response when results were poor and the staff's willingness to listen as he managed the workload of a full campaign.

Looking ahead, Milnes identified consolidation in Division One as the immediate ambition, with challenging for the Championship a longer-term goal. He said Kent's performances gave him confidence they could win matches and put strong opponents under pressure in the top division. Those remain ambitions rather than assured outcomes, but promotion has given the squad the opportunity to pursue them.