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This is what Championship cricket is about. Glorious New Road sunshine, sizzling entertainment and a red hot double-century from Kent’s Joe Denly.

“I’m obviously delighted. It’s probably the best I’ve felt for a while, probably ever, in the middle,” said the 31-yearold after Joe Clarke had set the scene for an absorbing match with a fine century for Worcestershire.

Clarke’s 142 helped the hosts to a well-earned first innings total of 336, although full credit to Kent paceman Matt Coles for keeping them on their toes by taking 6-84 in energysapping conditions.

Being 76 runs in arrears looked a major concern when they slipped to 64-3. But determined Kent needn’t have worried too much – Denly made sure of that by dishing up his memorable double century.

Along the way he and wicketkeeper Adam Rouse (68) put on 149 in 39 overs.

Marathon man Denly fully deserved to reach the second double century of his career which beat the 206 not out he made against Northants Road last year.

“It was just about trying to bat as long as I could. Every run we got in front put them under pressure. That was the plan,” he said.

But his memorable innings only set up a memorable run-chase in which Worcestershire made 401 to win by four wickets with Clarke again excelling.