Cricket

Kent's Jack Leaning and Ben Compton staged a valiant fightback to keep their team in contention for a draw against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship.Leaning, returning from injury, anchored Kent's first innings with a resolute 118, while Compton remained unbeaten on 71 in the second innings. Despite a 162-run first innings deficit, Kent's determination prevented Hampshire from enforcing the follow-on.Leaning's century, his 10th in first-class cricket, was a testament to his leadership and resilience. He survived a dropped catch on 84 and guided the tail with aplomb. Compton, too, played a crucial role, anchoring the second innings and frustrating the Hampshire bowlers.The duo's unbroken 84-run partnership has reduced the deficit to just 30 runs, giving Kent a glimmer of hope heading into the final day. However, Hampshire will need eight wickets to secure victory, and they may be without key bowler Kyle Barker, who suffered an injury during the evening session.Leaning's return to form is a major boost for Kent. The 29-year-old had missed the last seven weeks with a broken hand but has made an immediate impact upon his return. His century and Compton's half-century have given Kent a fighting chance of salvaging a draw.Hampshire, on the other hand, will be disappointed not to have enforced the follow-on. However, they will be confident of securing victory on the final day, especially if Barker is able to return to the bowling attack.

Essex's Jordan Cox unleashed a whirlwind century against his former Kent teammates, propelling Essex to a commanding lead in the Vitality County Championship match at Chelmsford. Cox's unbeaten 116, featuring six towering sixes, helped Essex amass 257 for 4 in the evening session, extending their lead to 374 runs.Earlier, Kent's Ben Compton had anchored the innings for over eight hours, scoring a resolute 165 to prevent Essex from enforcing the follow-on. Compton's marathon knock was supported by Daniel Bell-Drummond's 135, but Essex's legspinning allrounder Matt Critchley proved to be their nemesis. Critchley claimed 5 for 105, including the wickets of Bell-Drummond and Compton, to restrict Kent to 413.Essex's second innings began with Dean Elgar surviving an early chance, but Garrett dismissed him for 34. Kent struck again when Feroze Khushi was caught off Garrett's bowling. However, Cox took charge, reverse-sweeping Parkinson for boundaries and launching sixes over the field. Critchley joined the party with a quickfire 25, while Michael Pepper contributed 45 not out.Essex's declaration left Kent with a daunting target of 375 to win. The match is poised for an exciting finish, with rain and high winds forecast for the final day.