Kent 186 (Compton 52, Murtagh 4-40, Bamber 4-42) and 40 for two (Murtagh 2-9) path Middlesex 229 (Higgins 71, Agar 4-60) by 3 runs

Sometimes, you may measure the significance of a fixture by the standard of play. It's not all the time a direct correlation.

There's lots on this one right here at Lord's between Middlesex and Kent, not least as a result of these relegation candidates solely play one another as soon as this season. Taking factors off one another, maybe even touchdown a few psychological blows, is all of the extra vital. As 16 wickets fell on day two, it was clear these historic counties have merely resorted to clawing clumps out of one another.

And due to that, it has been numerous enjoyable. Red-ball quick meals for the soul, packed stuffed with the dangerous stuff that is truly good as you are taking all of it in. Regarding the naked info: Middlesex are within the higher spot for now, although not by a lot. They will go into the weekend with a lead of simply three however with two of Kent's second-innings wickets.

Those ultimate prospers with the bat had been important for Middlesex. And to be truthful, "flourishes" most likely undersells it. They had been 90 for six when Hogan acquired one to pitch leg and seam to off from over the wicket to catch John Simpson's edge by means of to Sam Billings. That introduced an finish to what on the time was the longest and most efficient stand - 10.3 overs, 28 runs - which got here in response to yet one more top-order collapse from Middlesex. This one was 25 for 4, coming after a fifth-gear begin from Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson, who raced to 22 after the primary two overs.

It was broadly harking back to the fightback from Kent, 92 for six themselves earlier than they re-emerged on Friday morning on 113 for six. They managed 73 extra, albeit from a supply aside from Compton, who arrived locked in on 38 not out.

Having been the lone survivor from the highest order, one anticipated a lot of the identical perseverance. But when he was bounced out by Bamber, one of many friendliest bowlers on the circuit (for disposition; his manipulation of the Dukes borders on merciless), Stewart determined to take a short-cut to a decent rating on this floor by way of the smaller boundary.

Unlike Higgins, Stewart did not fairly have the help on the different finish however he bettered him for energy by hitting the highest of the Allen Stand reasonably than simply clearing the rope, as Higgins did when simply evading Crawley at deep sq. leg. A tenth first-class fifty for Stewart regarded sure, even when he skied Higgins over the wicketkeeper. Tom Helm, nonetheless, charged in and took a spectacular tumbling catch - the type that makes you wince and verify he is okay earlier than applauding - to clip his and Kent's wings.

That Crawley was dismissed as rapidly as he was felt an inevitability, not solely given the scrappiness of this match however the truth it means he has adopted up final week's 170 with 11 and 0. Streaky is as streaky does, however the supply from Murtagh - lifting a lot larger than ordinary after urging the bat to come back ahead - was worthy of a dismissal no matter batter.

What bodes nicely for Kent is how seamlessly Jack Leaning ticked over on 19. His method to the hat-trick ball was courageous, advancing down the observe to make sure he was not caught on the crease, providing a full face and maintaining out Murtagh. He utilized that clear head all through. Compton, after all, rapidly reacquainted with the grind and, collectively, they labored by means of to the dangerous mild name that got here after 17 overs with a level of consolation, bar the odd vociferous attraction.

This match might nicely be completed with a day to spare, and the most effective you may say of what we have seen up to now is it is laborious to say who will find yourself on prime.

Vithushan Ehantharajah is an affiliate editor at ESPNcricinfo