YOUNG pace bowler Simon Cusden is the inaugural winner of a new trophy for the most improved player at Kent’s cricket academy.

The 19-year-old seam bowler received the award from Myrnah Gray, widow of former Kent member John Gray.

The trophy and a 10-year annual scholarship to back a young academy student have been funded by a bequest from Mr Gray’s will following his death three years ago.

Mr Gray, a former chemist with BP and a life-long cricket follower, was also a Cambridge contemporary of former England skipper Mike Brearley, so his widow is convinced he would be delighted by the scholarship in his memory.

Mrs Gray stressed: “John always loved the game. He played whenever he could and after retirement became an avid armchair viewer on days when he couldn’t get to see Kent.

“The most exciting thing to have happened at Kent over the last couple of years is the formation of the academy, so when the club suggested we put John’s bequest toward a scholarship we jumped at the chance.

“It will be an on-going thing in John’s memory and I think he would be more than proud of our first two selections.”

Apart from awarding Cusden with his trophy, Mrs Gray, with advice from the county, confirmed that young King’s School wicketkeeper Paul Dixey would be the first recipient of the academy scholarship.