BLACKPOOL — Grant Stewart’s defiant century and a resolute lower-order batting display ensured Kent held on for a dramatic draw against Lancashire at Blackpool, denying the hosts their first County Championship victory of the season in a tense finale at Stanley Park.
Stewart’s career-best 130, coupled with crucial contributions from the tailenders, saw Kent recover from 142/6 to post 353 in their second innings, setting Lancashire an improbable target of 242 in just 32 overs. The hosts, led by Keaton Jennings’ aggressive 78, made a spirited chase but ultimately fell short, finishing on 180/5 as time ran out.
Stewart’s Heroics Rescue Kent
Facing a 111-run deficit after Lancashire’s first-innings 369, Kent’s top order faltered early on day three, leaving them teetering at 142/6. Stewart, however, anchored the fightback with a composed innings, forming vital partnerships with the lower order. His 130 off 197 balls included 16 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing both patience and aggression.
"Grant was phenomenal," said Kent captain Jack Leaning. "To bat with that kind of discipline and courage under pressure was exactly what we needed. He’s been working hard on his game, and today it all came together." Stewart’s innings was particularly impressive given the conditions, with Lancashire’s seamers exploiting the overcast skies and a lively pitch.
Key Moments in Kent’s Fightback
- Partnership with Joey Evison (47): The pair added 98 for the seventh wicket, frustrating Lancashire’s attack.
- Late-order resistance: Nathan Gilchrist (22) and Matt Quinn (18*) contributed crucial runs.
- Lancashire’s missed chances: Two dropped catches off Stewart proved costly.
Lancashire’s Frustration Grows
Lancashire, still searching for their first Division One win this season, were left ruing missed opportunities. Despite Tom Bailey’s 4/72 and Will Williams’ 3/64, their inability to dismiss Kent’s tailenders quickly enough proved decisive. "We had them on the ropes, but credit to Kent—they batted superbly," admitted Lancashire skipper Jennings. "Grant’s innings was the difference."
The hosts’ chase began brightly, with Jennings and Luke Wells (42) putting on 98 for the first wicket. However, once Jennings fell to Stewart’s medium pace, the required rate climbed. Kent’s spinners, led by Matt Parkinson (2/38), tightened the screws in the final hour, leaving Lancashire to settle for a draw.
What This Means for Both Sides
For Kent, the draw extends their unbeaten run but leaves them mid-table with work to do. Stewart’s emergence as a genuine all-round option is a major positive. Lancashire, meanwhile, remain winless after four matches, with their bowling attack lacking the killer instinct in key moments.
"We’re getting closer," said Lancashire coach Dale Benkenstein. "The fight is there, but we need to be more clinical when we have teams under pressure. Today was a step forward, but not the result we wanted."
Looking Ahead
Kent host Essex next week, buoyed by Stewart’s form, while Lancashire travel to Hampshire. With the season approaching its midway point, both teams will be keen to turn promising performances into victories. For now, though, Kent can celebrate a hard-earned escape—one built on Stewart’s resilience and a collective refusal to fold.
"Days like this are why you play cricket," Stewart reflected post-match. "It wasn’t just about me—everyone chipped in. To come away with a draw after being in trouble feels like a win in itself." Lancashire, meanwhile, will hope their first victory is just around the corner.