NORTHAMPTON — Northamptonshire showed resilience on day two of their County Championship clash with Kent, responding strongly after centuries from Daniel Bell-Drummond and Harry Finch put the visitors in a commanding position at Wantage Road.
Kent’s batting duo dominated the morning session, with Bell-Drummond (124) and Finch (103) both reaching three figures in a 219-run partnership. However, Northants fought back in the afternoon, taking five wickets to limit Kent to 378/7 by stumps, ensuring the match remains finely balanced heading into day three.
Kent’s Dominant Morning Session
The day belonged to Kent’s top order early on, as Bell-Drummond and Finch capitalized on a flat pitch and wayward bowling. Bell-Drummond, who resumed on 68*, brought up his 18th first-class century with a crisp cover drive, while Finch, playing his first Championship game of the season, reached his maiden hundred for Kent.
Northants’ bowlers struggled for consistency, with only Ben Sanderson (2/64) posing consistent threats. "We knew we had to dig in after yesterday," said Bell-Drummond at the innings break. "The pitch is good for batting, so it was about being patient and cashing in when the bad balls came."
Key Moments from the Partnership
- Bell-Drummond survived a sharp caught-behind chance on 89
- Finch accelerated after lunch, hitting three sixes in his innings
- The pair’s 219-run stand is Kent’s highest third-wicket partnership against Northants
Northants Fight Back
The hosts regrouped after lunch, with spinner Rob Keogh (3/98) breaking the partnership by trapping Finch lbw. From there, Northants chipped away at Kent’s middle order:
- Keogh removed Bell-Drummond caught at slip
- Sanderson dismissed Jack Leaning for 22
- Justin Broad took a stunning catch to dismiss Joey Evison
By tea, Kent had slipped from 271/2 to 320/6, giving Northants hope of restricting the lead. "We knew one wicket could bring a few," said Keogh. "The pitch is starting to turn, so we’ll look to build on this tomorrow."
Late Resistance from Kent’s Tail
Kent’s lower order ensured they finished the day strongly, with Grant Stewart (34*) and Matt Quinn (18*) adding an unbroken 45-run stand. Northants’ fielding remained sharp, but the visitors will aim to push past 400 on day three.
What’s Next?
With the game evenly poised, Northants will look to wrap up Kent’s innings quickly on day three before their batters face a crucial test. The pitch is expected to deteriorate, making the first innings total vital. "We’ve shown character today," said Northants captain Luke Procter. "Now we need to back it up with the bat."
Kent, meanwhile, will aim for a substantial lead to put pressure on Northants’ fragile batting lineup. With Bell-Drummond and Finch setting the platform, the visitors remain slight favorites, but Northants’ fightback ensures an intriguing contest lies ahead.
Scorecard at Stumps (Day 2): Kent 378/7 (Bell-Drummond 124, Finch 103; Keogh 3/98, Sanderson 2/64) vs Northamptonshire.