Ball has ton in his sights as he looks to retain spot

Adam Ball hopes his record-breaking knock against Derbyshire will help secure his place in the team for the top-of-the-table Championship clash at Essex on Sunday. Ball joined skipper Sam Northeast to guide Kent away from trouble at 166-6 by putting on 150 for the seventh wicket in 36 overs, finishing on 66, just three runs shy of his First Class career best. The all-rounder was recalled to the Specsavers County Championship Division 2 side at Derby on May 22 and despite a month’s break from red-ball cricket, his 63 runs in two innings and 2-43 with the ball ensured he retained his place for the return fixture at Canterbury this week. He admitted: “I got an opportunity at Derby and did all right up there but without setting the world on fire. “Where I’m at now in my career, when I do get opportunities I have got to make substantial contributions to be able to keep my place in the team. “In this game I did well with 66, although I was probably a bit disappointed I didn’t go on and get my hundred. Being a batter, it’s about scoring a hundred. “I haven’t scored a First Class hundred and it’s always in the back of your mind trying to get over that first hurdle. “Once you do it once, you have the confidence that you can do it again.” He added: “I was disappointed to miss out but happy to help get us out of a bit of a hole that we were in and keep us in the game. “It’s probably the first time I’ve batted with Sam. It was nice, he’s pretty relaxed and so am I, we just go about our business and came out on the right end of it. “It’s always good to be in the record books for the right reasons. It’s another milestone in my career and hopefully we’ll get to see a few more records.” Kent will go into Sunday’s clash at Chelmsford top of the table but having played a game more than their hosts and Ball claimed: “Hopefully, I’ve done enough to get another opportunity. It’s a top of the table clash and if we can come out on top over there, who knows. “I’ve batted three times and I’ve got 20-40-60 – hopefully next time it’s 80 then 100.” He added: “I’m still learning how to go about my business in bowling in the four-day stuff – learning what type of bowler I am. “I’m trying to become more consistent and reliable with the ball, try and take some wickets but also hold up an end for the other guys. “At the age of 23 I’m not a youngster anymore, when I am playing there’s no excuse. I’ve got to start performing.”