Jaydn Denly digs in to thwart Essex’s final-day victory push
Essex 530 for 7 dec (Critchley 151*, Elgar 120, Cox 67) and 257 for 4 dec (Cox 116*) drew with Kent 413 (Compton 165, Bell-Drummond 135, Critchley 5-105) and 164 for 7 (Jaydn Denly 41*, Porter 4-20)
A mixture of Kent’s 18-year-old debutant Jaydn Denly and unhealthy climate scuppered Essex’s hopes of recording back-to-back County Championship wins.
The all-rounder joined forces with uncle Joe in a sixth-wicket stand that took 16 overs and contributed 51 runs after Kent had been on the ropes at 65 for five.
Jaydn Denly stood agency for 128 balls on a rain-interrupted last day at Chelmsford, ending on 41 not out in Kent’s 164 for 7, Jamie Porter taking 4 for 20.
Essex had declared for the second time within the match on their in a single day 257 for 4, with Jordan Cox unbeaten on 116 after his fireworks of the earlier night.
That set Kent 375 to win, initially from 76 overs, then 64 after the morning session was deserted following one other downpour.
Kent’s batters donned black armbands to mark the loss of life of their former England spinner Derek Underwood on the age of 78.
Essex’s quest acquired off to a flying begin in Porter’s second over when Tawanda Muyeye edged an inswinger to the wicketkeeper and the seamer then had Ben Compton lbw for six.
Simon Harmer dropped Jack Leaning first ball however made amends when Daniel Bell-Drummond went to brush and was lbw for 18.
Leaning quickly misplaced his off-stump to Shane Snater earlier than Harry Finch was lbw to Matt Critchley, his sixth wicket within the match.
That noticed Joe Denly, who twice superior down the wicket and hit Harmer over lengthy leg for six, joined within the center by his nephew.
The youthful Denly rode his luck early on in opposition to Harmer and Critchley earlier than rocking on to the again foot to ease the latter by means of the covers for his first 4.
When their partnership reached 50, from 88 balls, there was an equal break up in contributions, however virtually instantly Porter had Joe Denly whipping the ball off his legs and into the palms of Feroze Khushi at bat-pad.
Wes Agar drove Porter to Snater to change into the seventh wicket to fall.