Essex (421-6) dominate first day of County Championship Division 1 match against Kent at Chelmsford - as teenager Jaydn Denly makes first-class Kent debut

Jaydn Denly made his Kent first-class debut as Essex dominated day one of the County Championship Division 1 match between the sides at Chelmsford on Friday.

Denly, 18, was a late call-up after fellow all-rounder Joey Evison struggled with a tight calf in the warm-up - but then spent the day toiling away in the field.

Denly played alongside uncle Joe Denly. It was the first time an uncle and nephew had played in the same Kent side since 1854.

Jaydn Denly, fresh from scoring a century for the 2nds, said: “I got home from the 2nds’ game last night and then got the phone call.

“I still didn’t know if I was playing this morning but then got the nod.

“He (Evison) has got a bit of a niggle. But that’s all.”

Dean Elgar struck the 49th three-figure score of his first-class career and Matt Critchley chipped in with the eighth century of his career, as county cricket resumed their trial of the Kookaburra ball in first-class cricket.

Former South Africa captain Elgar put on 89 for the fourth wicket with Critchley, who in turn shared stands of 58 with Paul Walter and 80 with Michael Pepper.

When Elgar was out after almost four hours at the crease, chipping Matt Parkinson (2-110) tamely to short square leg, he dropped his bat and kicked the ground in frustration.

But by the close, Essex had built on the foundations he had laid to reach 421-6 with Critchley still there on 103 from 173 balls.

Earlier, the home side had lost two wickets in the opening four overs.

Feroze Khushi went first ball, beaten by one from Australian bowler Wes Agar (1-85) that he decided to leave which took out his off-stump.

Tom Westley drove loosely at George Garrett (2-64) and was caught behind by Harry Finch.

But Essex recovered from 10-2 to 169-3, former