Kent (165 & 269) lead Hampshire (57 & 105-4) by 272 runs in County Championship Division 1 at the Ageas Bowl

Jack Leaning celebrated his second century of the season to boost Kent’s hopes of avoiding relegation from LV= Insurance County Championship Division 1 on Wednesday.

Stand-in captain Leaning struck 112 as the pitch became more conducive to batting as Kent totted up 269 second-innings runs before they took four second-innings Hampshire wickets.

Joe Weatherley was exceptional for his unbeaten 54 but Hampshire lost openers Felix Organ and Ian Holland plus night-watchmen Keith Barker and Nick Gubbins while knocking 105 off the required total in 35 overs - with 273 runs still required for victory on day three.

Having taken three evening wickets on day one - albeit two were night-watchmen - Hampshire were optimistic they could blast through the remaining seven Kent batters, have a modest target to chase and re-ignite their Division 1 title tilt.

But they were in for another chastening day, as the pitch somewhat flattened out and their visitors took advantage.

Tawanda Muyeye and Daniel Bell-Drummond came out with a game-plan to attack with the pair driving with glamorous abandon, the pair putting on a carefree 35. Muyeye gained a life on 34 when dropped at third slip but failed to use it and was leg before to Kyle Abbott in the following over for 39.

Bell-Drummond continued on his way to 40, with all but six of his runs coming in boundaries, with 51 added with Leaning before he was bowled playing around a James Fuller delivery. Ollie Robinson also fell before lunch for a 14-ball 19, edging a slog to first slip.

The afternoon session saw Leaning come into his own, though. He set up outside of his crease and then lurched further forward to try and get to the ball before it significantly moved. His plan worked as he comfortably