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.

Jordan Cox weighed in with the fifth century of the match as he reached the close unbeaten on 100 and once Kent overhauled the follow-on target with only four wickets down, the draw became inevitable with a day to play.

Matt Lamb’s second first-class century underpinned Warwickshire’s fightback against Surrey as the opening-round clash between the two title contenders heads for a draw at Edgbaston.

Reigning champions Warwickshire closed on 293 for seven in reply to Surrey’s 428 for eight. The visitors are well-placed for a solid first innings lead but, with only one day left, the match appears destined for a draw.

At 41 for four early on the third morning, Warwickshire were in deep trouble but Lamb (106) and Sam Hain (78) added 157 to stall the visitors’ charge.

Hampshire raced to victory in their Division One opener by thrashing Somerset by an innings and 113 runs inside three days.

Somerset trailed by 223 runs as they resumed on 25 without loss and were skittled out for 135 in their second innings at the Ageas Bowl as Hampshire missed out on only a single bonus point to claim 23 points.

Hampshire, whose first innings total of 428 had given them a commanding lead, ripped through Somerset’s batting line-up