Century by Brendan Nash in vain as Kent's hopes of pushing home advantage against Yorkshire are thwarted by rain
Brendan Nash's first century for Kent
was the highlight of their washed-out LV= County Championship
Division 2 draw against Yorkshire at Canterbury.
With no play possible on the final day
(Sunday), Nash (pictured) finished unbeaten on 132 not out
after helping Kent move from 316-6 to 350-9 - and another batting
bonus point - during the 8.5 overs that were possible on day
three.
Kent had been in a strong position as
they led Yorkshire by more than 100 runs in the first innings but
the rain put paid to any hopes they had of pressing home their
advantage.
Skipper Rob Key was ruled out through
injury so stand-in captain Geraint Jones inserted Yorkshire, who
got off to a slow start on day one, scoring at less than two runs
an over in the first session.
Matt Coles, who was called up to the
England Lions squad on Friday, was again the pick of the Kent
attack. The 21-year-old took his wicket tally for the season to 23
with a haul of 4-70 and he was given ample support by Charlie
Shreck (2-65) and Darren Stevens (2-39).
Yorkshire took 92.3 overs to reach
247, leaving Kent openers Scott Newman and Sam Northeast just one
over to see out on the first day.
The pair built on their efforts on the
following morning with Northeast particularly watchful before going
for 26. Newman had earlier departed for 31 and Ben Harmison made
43. Mike Powell edged to slip for and Stevens was trapped in front
to leave Kent on 158-5.
Nash steadied the ship and put on 77
runs in 16 overs with Jones, who blazed his way to a 49-ball 47
before getting an edge to slip after attempting an expansive shot
through the off side.
James Tredwell (37) joined Nash, who
made it through to three figures late on the second day. Nash was
left stranded on 132 not out from 214 balls with 14 fours when the
rain came again on day three, denying Kent the opportunity of
turning up the heat on the visitors.
Nash has now scored 256 runs at an average of more than 85 in
the opening four championship games of the season.
29/04/12
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