Ben Compton celebrates maiden ton as Kent fight back against Essex

Ben Compton notched his maiden first-class century in England as Kent closed in on Essex's mammoth first-innings total in their LV= County Championship Division One clash.

Compton, the South African-born grandson of former England great Denis Compton, scored a patient 129 in Chelmsford as Kent ended day three on 405 for five – 109 runs behind the hosts' 514.

The debutant left-hander staked his claim for a regular place at the top of the order in the absence of Zak Crawley, Jack Leaning, Sam Billings and Joe Denly.

An assured innings