County Ground clash ends in draw
Wednesday 14th May 2014
Kent captain Rob Key made a daring declaration to try to snatch victory against Derbyshire but the visitors were forced to settle for a draw in LV= County Championship Division Two.
No play on either the first or third days meant this match at the County Ground was always likely to end in stalemate but Kent looked to score quickly to keep their slim chances of victory alive.
Brendan Nash smashed an unbeaten 95 off 98 balls but there was not even time to let the Kent number four reach his century as Key declared on 235 for six.
Derbyshire though were not to be rattled and batted out the final day to finish 106 for no wicket.
Resuming play on ten without loss, Kent pushed the run-rate from the outset.
Key (eight) was the first to go as he was caught behind off the bowling of Tony Palladino (one for 48) and not long after fellow opener Sam Northeast (12) went the same way to Mark Footitt (two for 66).
Daniel Bell-Drummond pushed the score to 81 for three with 24 runs in 38 balls before he was clean bowled by Tim Groenewald (two for 59), having enjoyed a 50 run, third wicket partnership with Brendon Nash.
The experienced left-hander left Derbyshire scratching their heads with an explosive innings, hitting two sixes and seven fours.
Nash was ably supported by Ben Harmison, who made a useful 27 before being caught by Palladino off Groenewald's bowling, and Darren Stevens who was caught by Paul Borrington off Footitt on 33.
At 195 for five, there was still time for Nash to add a few more to the total alongside Sam Billings (15), but when the latter was caught behind off Alex Hughes (one for 28), Key called his men in with a lead of 117.
Kent needed a fast start to maintain any hopes of victory but it wasn't to be as Derbyshire openers Stephen Moore (73 not out) and Borrington (31 not out) played accomplished innings to earn their side a draw.