Coles and Denly strike as Sussex suffer
Matt Coles and Joe Denly each struck twice as Kent moved within four wickets of completing a Specsavers County Championship double against Sussex at Tunbridge Wells.
Sussex closed in at tea on 108 for four, needing a further 396 for an unlikely victory against their title-chasing neighbours.
Sam Northeast’s side predictably batted on after lunch to reach 298 for two for an overall lead of 502 before skittling out four Sussex batsmen in a shortened mid-session in the field.
Harry Finch was pinned lbw by Matt Coles who then clung on to a return catch to send Luke Wells packing for no score. Darren Stevens bagged his sixth wicket of the match by bowling Chris Nash and, at eight for three, Sussex appeared destined for defeat.
Visiting skipper Luke Wright’s cameo 38 off 32 balls before his attempted pull shot against James Harris took an inside edge through to the Kent keeper Adam Rouse.
Former South African international Stiaan van Zyl (78) and Michael Burgess (44*) added 85 for the fifth wicket before Denly’s leg spin removed the Kolpak signing and England international Chris Jordan in successive overs.
Burgess battled through to the close as Sussex face a final day of resistance to prevent defeat.
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