Kent have edge over Essex as wickets tumble
Last updated on .From the section Counties
| LV County Championship Division Two, Canterbury |
| Close, day one: Essex 144, Kent 160-5 |
| Kent 3pts, Essex 1pt |
| Match scorecard |
| Live commentary |
David Balcombe claimed a career-best 6-51 as Kent ended day one of their Division Two match against Essex with a slender lead and five wickets in hand.
On a sporting pitch Essex were bowled out for a meagre 144 as 15 wickets fell in overcast conditions.
Kent reached 160-5, with Joe Denly hitting 55 off 53 balls, to leave them with a lead of 16 at the close.
The hosts face having their Canterbury pitch inspected due to the number of wickets falling.
CLOSE OF PLAY SUMMARY
BBC Radio Kent's Ben Croucher:
"Kent deservedly enjoyed the best of the spoils on a minefield of a wicket in Canterbury.
"Coles and Balcombe looked particularly threatening from the Nackington Road end when they bent their backs, the latter extricating extraordinary bounce off a length to undo Essex's batsmen.
"Joe Denly's breezy 55 was refreshing due to the aggressive intent. Knowing the wicket was awkward to bat on, he used attack as the best form of defence in some style.
"Essex's batsmen were unlucky to be undone by a few snorters but their fielding was sloppy and their bowlers failed to support the pressure created by David Masters' accuracy."
