Blake made his maiden first-class century at Headingley in September

Kent batsman Alex Blake is confident he can turn his poor form around despite a disappointing start to the season.

The 22-year-old is in only his second full season and has scored just 34 runs in four innings so far.

But he told BBC Radio Kent: "I'd have liked to have scored a few more runs, but I've felt good in the nets and very good in pre-season.

"It's just a case of staying positive, watching the ball and not trying to think about too many things," he added.

"I spoke to Rob [Key] and he said not to worry about Essex and the first few innings," continued Blake.

The left-handed batsman added that the experienced campaigners in the Kent dressing room would be vital in improving his game.

If the bowlers stay fit and the top order keep scoring runs then I'm sure we'll have a good chance towards the end of the season Alex Blake

"You look at some of the players we've got in our squad, people like Martin van Jaarsveld, Rob Key and Geraint Jones - they've all played international cricket.

"All of them are very helpful and generally very nice blokes."

The combination of youth and experience appears to figure heavily in Kent's drive for promotion in 2011.

Blake is joined by youngsters Sam Northeast, Mat Coles and Ashley Shaw in the Kent squad, as the Spitfires' lack of an overseas signing looks set to create further opportunities for their academy products to shine.

And Blake is cautiously optimistic about Kent's chances this season following relegation from Division One of the County Championship last year.

"If the bowlers stay fit and the top order keep scoring runs then I'm sure we'll have a good chance towards the end of the season," he added.

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