Joe Denly is a product of the Kent youth system, having been with the county since the age of 13, and made his debut in 2004 against Oxford University. He served notice of his considerable talent with three half centuries in three Tests whilst touring India with England Under-19 in 2005. He captained both Kent Second XI and the ECB Development of Excellence XI team, and scored his maiden first-class hundred against Cambridge University in 2006. The release of David Fulton opened up a place in the Kent top order, which Denly took with both hands during the first part of the 2007 season. His prolific form caught the eye of England's selectors and he was named in the England Lions side to face India. The 2008 summer again kept him in the frame, especially in one-day cricket, where he enjoyed an impressive Twenty20 tournament.
Sam Collins September 2008

NBC Denis Compton Award 2004
NBC Denis Compton Award 2005
NBC Denis Compton Award 2006
NBC Denis Compton Award 2007

• van Jaarsveld named PCA Player of the Year (Sep 30, 2008)
  
• Bopara wins Young Cricketer award (Sep 15, 2008)
  
• Denly and Joseph pile misery on Lancashire (Aug 22, 2008)
  
• Rebooting the English game (Aug 7, 2008)
  
• Kent and Middlesex ease into finals (Jul 26, 2008)
  

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Sep 24, 2008 Steve Harmison roars his delight at dismissing Joe Denly for a duck © Getty Images

Aug 16, 2008 Joe Denly is bowled by Graham Napier as Kent struggle early on © Getty Images

Aug 16, 2008 Joe Denly is bowled by an exuberant Graham Napier © Getty Images

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