test2wa

Cricket

Joe Denly hit his sixth first-class century to help Kent close in on victory at stumps on the third day of their LV County Championship Division One clash with Lancashire.

The 22-year-old resumed on 63 overnight at Canterbury and brought up his hundred in 192 balls in an innings which included 10 fours.

Denly, who has played for England Lions against South Africa this summer, was eventually caught off the bowling of Lancashire seamer Steven Croft for 118.

Croft also trapped Martin van Jaarsveld (50) lbw before Kent captain Rob Key declared with the score on 317 for four to set the Red Rose county 476 for an unlikely victory.

Kent paceman Robbie Joseph, who claimed five for 34 in the first innings, continued his form with the ball as he removed three top-order Lancashire second-innings wickets. Joseph claimed the wicket of Paul Horton (14) before he removed Mal Loye and Francois du Plessis for ducks to finish the day with three for 57.

Ryan McLaren had Croft (68) caught by wicketkeeper Geraint Jones as Lancashire reached 161 for four at close with Mark Chilton (60 not out) and Luke Sutton, who is unbeaten on two, set to resume on the final day.

Robin Martin-Jenkins scored an unbeaten 71 to ensure defending champions Sussex avoided the follow-on on day three of their match with Surrey.

The Sussex all-rounder shared a final-wicket stand of 57 to help Sussex recover from 197 for seven to reach 328 all out which forced Surrey to bat again. Surrey then lost openers Scott Newman and Stewart Walters cheaply as they slipped to 13 for two but skipper Mark Ramprakash (36no) and wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty (24no) helped them recover to reach 77 for two - a lead of 204 heading into the final day.

Michael Carberry and Michael Lumb enjoyed an unbeaten 170-run stand as Hampshire's clash with Somerset at the Rose Bowl ended in a draw.

After Somerset had been dismissed for 436 - a lead of 120 - Hampshire overcame the early loss of opener Jimmy Adams (10) who was bowled by Peter Trego to finish on 196 for one. Carberry was unbeaten on 88 while Lumb made 83 not out before the captains agreed on a draw.