Scott Newman chose Kent loan to boost Middlesex chances

New Kent loanee Scott Newman believes playing first class cricket will give him the best chance of regaining his place in the Middlesex side.

The arrival of Joe Denly and emergence of Sam Robson forced Newman down the pecking order at Lord's.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "We signed Joe which meant there were fewer slots to play for.

"Instead of trying to fight in second team cricket, I thought if an opportunity arose, I'd go on loan."

Newman signed a two-month contract at Kent on Monday.

He will initially acting as cover for Daniel Bell-Drummond, who is on England Under-19 duty.

The loan system, introduced in 2005, has been exploited by both Newman and Kent to great effect in recent years.

The opening batsman scored 249 runs in 11 matches for Nottinghamshire in 2009 when he was a Surrey player.

Last season, Kent brought in seamers David Balcombe (from Hampshire) and Charlie Shreck (from Nottinghamshire) to boost their bowling attack, with Balcombe going on to take 40 wickets in all competitions.

Newman aims to make a similarly positive impact during his two months at the St. Lawrence Ground.

"I just want to score as many runs as I can, be part of the team and hopefully get Kent off to a good start.

"I'm quite excited to work under Jimmy Adams and Rob Key," he added.

Kent begin their pre-season campaign against Newman's employers Middlesex on March 23.