Kent’s hopes of salvaging a positive result against Worcestershire dwindled on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash at Canterbury, as the visitors piled on a mammoth first-innings total of 618 for 7 declared.
Jason Holder and Matthew Waite were the architects of Worcestershire’s dominance, both registering unbeaten centuries. Holder’s 123 came off 184 deliveries, while Waite’s 100 was compiled from 157 balls. Adam Hose also contributed a valuable 90.
Kent’s bowlers toiled tirelessly but were unable to make significant inroads. Joey Evison claimed three wickets, while Matt Parkinson bowled a marathon 44.5 overs for three wickets at the cost of 201 runs.
In reply, Kent’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure. Joe Leach struck early, dismissing Ben Compton and Zak Crawley cheaply. Daniel Bell-Drummond and Jack Leaning offered some resistance with a 97-run partnership, but Kent still trailed by a daunting 506 runs at stumps, with Bell-Drummond unbeaten on 54 and Leaning on 43.
Worcestershire’s declaration came after a relentless afternoon session in which Holder and Waite plundered runs at will. Holder reached his century with a single off Leaning, while Waite brought up his ton with a six over mid-on.
Kent’s bowlers were left frustrated by the lack of assistance from the pitch, which offered little help to the seamers or spinners. The hosts will need to produce a remarkable batting performance on day three to avoid a heavy defeat.
