Kent draw first-class match against Sri Lanka Development XI as 1,453 runs are scored across four days at The Spitfire Ground

Kent’s bowlers once again toiled away in the sun as they drew their first-class match against a Sri Lanka Development XI.

Overall, 1,453 runs were racked up across the four days at The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury.

Kent conceded a score of at least 500 in the first innings for the fifth game in a row, with the Sri Lankan side eventually declaring on the final day with a massive 658-9.

Veteran all-rounder Darren Stevens (2-80), youngster Max Luckett (2-73) and South African overseas spin bowler George Linde (2-126) did at least some damage with the ball for Kent.

But for Sri Lanka, Nishan Madushka led the way with a stunning knock of 269, which included 37 fours and two sixes. He was supported by Lasith Croospulle (136) and Nuwanindu Fernando, who fell just one short of a century.

Kent batted for a second time on Monday afternoon, with the match heading towards a draw, and opener Marcus O'Riordan brought up his maiden hundred in first-class cricket which was was a suitable end to a match dominated by the bat as he finished 102 not out.

Fellow opener Tawanda Muyeye (56) was the only other wicket to fall in Kent’s second-innings 200-1 while the returning Joe Denly finished 41 not out.

That all came after Matt Walker’s team had posted 595-8 declared first time around.

All-rounders Stevens (168) and Linde (107) put on 264 to take the side from 95-4 to end the first day 418-6, coming close to breaking a record fifth-wicket partnership which has stood for nearly 100 year in the process.

Kent started the second day in similar vein as wicketkeeper Billy Mead scored 106 not out for his maiden first-class ton having been ably supported by pace bowler Harry Podmore (56), before Sri Lanka’s turn with the bat came.

The end of the