Super Stevens has the Foxes shakin’
Richard Rae watches the evergreen Darren Stevens slay his former county, but he can’t beat the weather
The loss of a day and a half to rain, and a determined batting display from Leicestershire in tricky conditions after Kent elected to bowl first, meant both sides were reasonably happy following a maximum bonus point draw.
Darren Stevens’ 13th First-Class century, and Glamorgan’s game-saving fight-back against Nottinghamshire, were also factors in assuaging Kent’s disappointment at the loss of their 100 per cent championship record.
Surprisingly, given the amount of suffering he has inflicted on the Foxes since departing Grace Road 12 years ago, it was also Stevens’ first century against his former county, and along with his two first-innings wickets, ensured the all-rounder returned to the top of the PCA’s Most Valuable Player table after being temporarily overtaken by Yorkshire’s Gary Ballance.
Stevens led a brutal counter-attack after the visitors, replying to Leicestershire’s first innings score of 420, looked to be wobbling on 144-5, with his first 50 coming off just 30 balls.
“When we’re under the pump a little bit I always try and put the bowlers under pressure, and it went nicely for me, and it swung back in our favour,” said the evergreen 41-year-old.
“I didn’t realise it was my first century against Leicestershire, I remember I got a 90 against them back at Tunbridge Wells a few years ago, but I got a second-ball nought last year – so it was very pleasing.
“As I’ve said before, I worked hard all winter and I’m reaping the rewards. Trying to improve and learn is what keeps you going, and I always want to try different shots.”
Leicestershire head coach Pierre de Bruyn said he was delighted with the application shown by his side.
“We had to graft hard with the bat in the toughest conditions, just about everyone chipped in and probably the only disappointing thing was no-one in the top six went on to get a hundred,” said the South African.
“Then Dieter Klein picked up four wickets and there was a window for us, but when the ball stops swinging and the wicket dries out here it becomes very good.”