Kent v Essex: Sam Northeast holds up promotion-chasing visitors

Kent opener Sam Northeast scored a half century to hold up promotion-chasing Essex's quest for victory.

Northeast, who starred in Kent's recent victory at Glamorgan, was unbeaten on 70 before rain ended day three early.

Following on, the hosts resumed 161 runs behind and, after Rob Key fell for 17, the next three batsmen departed cheaply to Monty Panesar (3-24).

But Northeast (70 not out) stayed defiant as Kent closed on 113-4, needing 56 to avoid an innings defeat.

VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Kent's Peter Guise:

"Kent made a better fist of batting second time around, as is often the case when following on.

"A combination of that and the weather is likely to save the game for Kent despite the best efforts of Monty Panesar, who took two wickets in two balls including a rare golden duck for Brendan Nash.

"He still has two matches to get the 49 runs he needs for 1,000 runs in the Championship this summer.

"Sam Northeast provided the anchor role with a half century for the second consecutive match and this may yet prove decisive in Kent salvaging a draw."

Match scorecard