Stevens skittles Essex after Northeast ton
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kent's Sam Northeast and Durham's Dale Benkenstein registered the first centuries of the Championship season.
Northeast's 112 held together an otherwise fragile effort from Rob Key's team after winning the toss in the clash of last season's relegated sides at Chelmsford, where 17-year-old Reece Topley – son of former Essex bowler Don Topley – took a wicket with his third delivery in the first-class game as Kent were all out for 247.
But the Essex batsmen found conditions no more to their liking, sliding to 49 for six with their England duo, Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara, both falling cheaply to all-rounder Darren Stevens, who ended with five for 14 from 12 overs.
Benkenstein's 118 was the centrepiece of an early show of strength by Durham. Supplemented by fluent half-centuries from Mark Stoneman, Gordon Muchall and Ian Blackwell, Durham claimed maximum batting points.
It was hard work for injury-hit Hampshire but there was encouragement for 19-year-old left-arm spinner Danny Briggs, whose long toil in the sun was rewarded with four wickets.
Glen Chapple took five for 68 as promoted Sussex were bowled out for 243 at Liverpool, where Joe Gatting fell 10 runs short of recording his second first-class century. Ed Joyce scored 84.
Half-centuries for Rory Hamilton-Brown and Gareth Batty helped Second Division favourites Surrey total 322 against Northamptonshire at the Oval, while left-arm spinner Claude Henderson's unbeaten 74 helped Leicestershire recover from 136 for seven to be 231 for nine against Glamorgan.
Will Gidman made 89 on his debut for the Gloucestershire side captained by brother Alex against Derbyshire.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments