Openers unbeaten in Hampshire friendly reply
Tuesday 7th April 2015
Kent's openers ensured a slight advantage for the visitors at the halfway stage of the two-day friendly versus Hampshire at The Ageas Bowl.
Openers Daniel Bell-Drummond (34*) and Joe Denly (29*) looked solid at the crease for Kent and reached 73-0 from 19 overs at stumps on day one in reply to Hampshire's 301.
The hosts' new opening partnership of Jimmy Adams (22) and Liam Dawson (32) saw off the new ball this morning before losing their wickets in quick succession to Darren Stevens (1/37 off 11 overs) and Ivan Thomas (4/34).
Going into lunch at 86-2, Hampshire were happy with their start before Kent's bowlers fought back in the afternoon session.
Six Hants wickets fell before tea with Kent spinner Adam Riley (3/63 off 14 overs) dismissing Adam Wheater (7), Tom Alsop (13) and Danny Briggs (53).
Kent's bowler of 2014 Mitch Claydon (1/40 off 12 overs) bowled Will Smith for 20 before Thomas returned to dismiss Sean Ervine and Gareth Berg.
Experienced all-rounder Ervine scored 70 alongside Berg, who hit a fluent 39 as Hants reached 249-8 at tea.
Matt Coles (1/20 off four overs), rested for the first two sessions due to a back niggle, bowled Jackson Bird before the Hampshire tail wagged after tea as Chris Wood scored 53 to help the home side reach 301 all out.
The match resumes at 11am in Southampton tomorrow.