Kent close on promotion after Compton century sinks Gloucestershire
Kent moved to the brink of promotion from Division Two after Ben Compton's 126 gave them a 124-run first-innings lead over Gloucestershire at Canterbury.
A win in this Rothesay County Championship match would guarantee Kent go up, and they took firm control on day two at the St Lawrence Ground BBC Sport. Kent resumed on 71-1 and made 353 in their first turn to bat — what cricket calls the first innings.
Compton led the way. His 126 anchored the innings and gave Kent a platform. Daniel Bell-Drummond added 55 in support.
Gloucestershire stuck at it with the ball. Langridge took 3-105 in Kent's first innings. It was hard work on a surface that offered little help.
Gloucestershire then made 229 in reply. Bracey top-scored with 86 and held their innings together. Matt Milnes did the damage for Kent with 4-55 BBC Sport.
That left Kent 124 ahead. It is a strong position in a four-day game. The side that bats last must chase whatever is left.
Gloucestershire closed their second innings on 61-2 at stumps on day two. Hammond was 33 not out overnight. They still trailed by 63 runs with eight wickets standing BBC Sport.
Kent need eight more wickets. Gloucestershire need to erase the deficit first. Then they must set a target.
What makes this stand out is the clarity of it. Kent know exactly what a win brings. Two good days have left them close. One more push will finish the job.
