Hard graft behind Denly’s first championship ton

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Joe Denly was delighted to have scored his first championship century of the season but admitted he had been forced to work hard to reach three figures. The 31-year-old batted for five hours 20 minutes, hitting 16 fours from 208 balls, and survived a strong caught behind appeal off Vernon Philander early on. Denly’s last century had come in the season’s opener, when he hit 101 against Leeds & Bradford MCCU and he admitted it was a relief to clock up his 20th First-class hundred. He followed up with his 49th First-class halfcentury in the second innings. He said: “It’s been frustrating, it’s a shame that it’s taken so long to get the first championship hundred but it’s about trying to stay positive and I always knew there was a KENT’S NEXT FIVE GAMES CC2 June 8 Durham (Canterbury)....... .. CC2 July 3 Northants (Beckenham) T20 July 9 Essex (Beckenham) .......... Division 2, Key: CC2 = Specsavers County Championship T20 = Natwest T20 Blast big one around the corner. If anything, I’m disappointed not to have got a bigger hundred. “It was a bit of a graft. They bowled pretty well without much luck early on with the new ball. They’re a high quality team with some great performers, so it was always going to be tricky. “The new ball was tough for that first hour especially but as soon as the new ball wore off, it became a bit easier. “It was about grafting and trying to spend as much time out there and runs would come.” Denly admits he enjoys playing at the Nevill and he was pleased that he was also able to contribute with the ball, taking 2- 49 from 17 overs of leg spin in the Sussex second innings. He added: “The ball’s coming out all right at the moment. I’ve enjoyed it (bowling).”

Picture: Andy Jones FM4789437 Joe Denly on his way to a century in Kent’s win against Sussex