Essex Crush Kent by Innings and 96 Runs, Close Gap on Surrey

Essex's relentless dominance continued as they crushed Kent by an innings and 96 runs in the Vitality County Championship at Canterbury, reducing the gap to league leaders Surrey to a mere two points.

Simon Harmer's devastating spell of 4 for 32 and Shane Snater's impressive 3 for 15 proved too much for Kent, who were skittled for a paltry 109 in their second innings. Joe Denly's 23 was the highest score for the hosts, who now face the prospect of finishing this round of fixtures at the bottom of the Division One table.

Kent's hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed on the final day, despite the inclement weather that plagued other parts of the county. Play commenced on time, and Kent's batting woes began immediately. Zak Crawley's brief stay at the crease ended with an lbw dismissal to Snater, setting the tone for a disastrous morning session.

Harmer's introduction into the attack proved equally devastating. He struck with his third delivery, trapping Ben Compton lbw for 12. Marcus O'Riordan and Daniel Bell-Drummond followed suit, falling to Harmer and Matt Critchley, respectively. Harry Finch's inexplicable attempt at a reverse sweep against Harmer resulted in another lbw dismissal, leaving Kent reeling at 64 for 5 at lunch.

After a brief rain delay, Denly and Joey Evison provided some resistance, but their efforts were short-lived. Evison fell lbw to Snater, and Grant Stewart's off stump was sent cartwheeling by the same bowler, marking Snater's 100th first-class wicket for Essex.

Denly's dismissal to Harmer sealed Kent's fate, and with Wes Agar unable to bat, Critchley's lbw dismissal of Parkinson in the 58th over confirmed Essex's emphatic victory.

Tags: #Essex, #Kent, #VitalityCountyChampionship, #SimonHarmer, #ShaneSnater