As days go, the double centurion Darren Stevens could infrequently have needed for better. Aged 43, he changed into instructed in July that he would now not be required via Kent after 15 years at Canterbury. Now, after a unique week, he is quite lots the primary call on their crew sheet and forcing a rethink.
In a game full-size best within the struggle for 1/3 vicinity in Division One, Stevens performed the important thing function in helping Kent get over 39 for 5 against Yorkshire to a preposterous 482 for eight. His career nice 237 off 225 balls got here hot at the heels of a primary-innings 88 and 10 wickets in final week’s win over Nottinghamshire and surpasses his preceding first-rate of 208 in his lengthy career.
Stevens shared 346 with Sam Billings, who might be nominated for a great assisting actor with his 138 off 209 balls. It smashed information aplenty, which includes the very best 6th-wicket partnership ever at Headingley after Duanne Olivier had claimed 4 early wickets.
Somerset, too, the Division One leaders, could be pretty happy with their day’s paintings. While their bowlers had been strolling thru Hampshire on the Ageas Bowl, 2nd-located Essex was frustrated by means of awful light and drizzle at Chelmsford till simply after 2 pm. By the time Essex were given going towards Surrey, who closed on 137 for 4, they have been already under strain having accomplished nothing wrong. It will have been of some frustration to peer Hampshire slip to 88 for seven. Hampshire recovered to 196, way to Liam Dawson’s 103 before Somerset closed on 30 for two.
It was a batting day at Trent Bridge, where centuries from Steven Mullaney and Joe Clarke helped relegated Nottinghamshire publish 425 for six against Warwickshire.
There have been wickets aplenty in Division Two, where all five fits affect the promoting race. Northamptonshire, 2nd in the desk, restricted Durham to 37 for 4 in reply to 217, which includes Adam Rossington’s 82. Third-placed Gloucestershire bowled Worcestershire out for 221 at New Road earlier than attaining 87 for 4.
Sussex, arising at the rails, bowled their hosts Derbyshire out for 138 before replying with 116 for 3. Lancashire, helped by means of rankings elsewhere, secured the identity with 259 in opposition to Middlesex and reducing the visitors to 39 for 6 at Old Trafford. Glamorgan closed on three hundred for four towards Leicestershire at Cardiff.
