Old Trafford drought over
Kent eased to an historic seven-wicket victory against Lancashire at Old Trafford for their first County Championship Division 1 win of the season on Monday.
Skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond led his team to their 164-run target with an unbeaten 79, despite some good pressure applied by Lancashire bowlers, with Nathan Lyon (2-48) taking the two wickets to fall. It was Kent’s first victory at Old Trafford since 1997.
The visitors resumed on 71-1, needing a further 93 runs, and a tense battle developed in the first hour as Lancashire applied good pressure from the spin attack of Lyon and Tom Hartley (0-42).
Ben Compton and Bell-Drummond showed solid defence and good running on a turning wicket.
Compton survived a dropped catch on 27 after sweeping Lyon but the Australian was not to be denied. He dived to his right for a good catch off his own bowling after Compton lofted a straight drive after advancing down the track on 29. Bell-Drummond calmed any nerves, reaching his half-century off 115 balls – he has now scored at least 50 in all four matches this season, converting two of them into tons. Jack Leaning dug in alongside to make 16 but edged Lyon to Luke Wells at slip when 35 was still required. Joe Denly (19 not out) helped Bell-Drummond knock those runs off with few alarms just before lunch.
It is Kent’s first Championship win over Lancashire since 2013 and moves them up to sixth in the table. Bell-Drummond said: “I’m very proud. Old Trafford has been a tough place to come for us historically. Lancashire are a very good team and pushed us every day but we’re glad to get the win.”
The victory vindicated the decision to enforce the follow-on after Nathan Gilchrist (6-24) and Wes Agar (4-35) skittled Lancashire for 92 after Kent’s 261.
Matt Walker’s men face Worcestershire at Canterbury from Friday.
Seam bowler Charlie Stobo has become Kent’s fourth 2024 overseas player - the third from his home country. Stobo, 29, is set to link up with Kent from May 20 until September 16, subject to regulatory approval. He will be available across all formats. Fellow Australian bowlers
Wes Agar (until end of July) and Xavier Bartlett (first eight T20 Blast matches) will also be available in Stobo’s time at the county.