Kent v Essex - Day One - Tea report

Kent have advanced to 233-3 from 64 overs at tea with Martin Jaarsveld and Geraint Jones both completing half-centuries.

 

Neither Ravi Bopara or Maurice Chambers took part in the post-lunch proceedings.  

It was confirmed that Bopara is suffering with a back strain but will be able to bat whilst Chambers has a side strain.

 

Bryce McGain resumed play after the interval with Kent soon taking the single needed to move the total into three figures. The Australian was destined to bowl ten consecutive overs after the interval from Nackington Road End that cost 42 runs although he did take a wicket in the second over of that spell.

 

Joe Denly was his victim when the leg-spinner found the edge to be caught by wicket-keeper James Foster having scored 40 out of 106.

 

Martin van Jaarseveld was joined by Geraint Jones and the duo gradually gained the upper-hand as both batsmen picked off a number of loose deliveries with good timing in evidence. Van Jaarsveld reached a 74-ball half-century after 77 minutes at the crease with a single off Andy Carter, an innings that included nine boundaries at that stage.

 

Tim Phillips became the fifth bowler to be used by Foster when he joined the action for the 50^th over but he was unable to contain the batsmen who were playing with increasing comfort to post a century partnership in 24 overs as the total passed 200 when van Jaarsveld hoisted Phillips for a straight six.

 

Although Jones was playing with self-imposed restraint, he did reach a chanceless fifty having faced 91 deliveries that included just three boundaries before Bryce McGain was recalled shortly before tea.

 

Tom Westley was given the final over before the break as the home side were left to reflect on a highly satisfactory session that saw them add 134 runs in 35 overs for the loss of only one wicket.

 

Scoreboard:

Kent 233-3 wickets from 64 overs, van Jaarsveld 79 not out, Jones 55 not out.