Kent’s Jordan Cox and Ben Compton both score centuries during draw with Essex

Kent duo Jordan Cox and Ben Compton both scored 129 as their LV= County Championship clash against Essex ended in a draw at Chelmsford.

Despite Joe Denly retiring injured, Kent posted 581 for nine in response to Essex’s first innings total of 514.

Tawanda Muyeye, Darren Stevens and Matt Milnes all notched half-centuries and Australian bowler Jackson Bird remained unbeaten on 53.

After showing glimpses of his off-spin during England’s tour of the Caribbean, Essex called upon Dan Lawrence to try to break Kent down and the batter responded by taking three for 98. In their second innings Essex finished day four on 68 for one.

Northamptonshire managed to hold on to earn a draw with Gloucestershire despite late wickets falling.

Ryan Higgins finished with 139 in Gloucestershire’s second innings after being trapped lbw by Ben Sanderson, and his effort helped steer his side to 363 all out, setting Northamptonshire a target of 299.

Saif Zaib and Rob Keogh both put in solid scores of 65 and 74 respectively, before Northamptonshire fell from 233 for five to 265 for eight, with Higgins and Zafar Gohar taking three wickets apiece.

The hosts managed to see the game out with Nathan Buck and Tom Taylor both at the crease and the game finished as a draw with one over remaining.

Rain and bad light played a part as Warwickshire and Surrey’s game fizzled out into a draw.

Michael Burgess hit a career-best 178 and was supported by the tail, putting on 122 with number 11 Olly Hannon-Dalby, before the wicketkeeper chipped to mid-off off Will Jacks.

Surrey then put on 43 without loss in their second innings before the close.

In Division Two, Durham’s match with Glamorgan ended in a draw despite a glimpse of a positive result after a flurry of