LV= CC Hampshire v Kent – day two match report

Kent first innings
251 all out, 80.2 overs
Denly 67, Northeast 50, Blake 31
Cork 5-50, Briggs 2-26, Balcombe 2-67

Hampshire 1st innings
404 for five, 108.5 overs
Carberry 158, McKenzie 113, Pothas 36*

By Sam Dixon

Former Kent-batsman Michael Carberry put Rob Key’s men to the sword on day two of this LV=County Championship clash at the Rose Bowl by striking a sublime 158 as Hampshire reached stumps on 404 for five – a lead of 153. The left-hander put on 254 for the fourth wicket with South African Neil McKenzie (113) as Kent were made to toil in the south coast sun.

The day started well for Kent as the home side were reduced to 72 for three when Simon Cook (pictured) had night watchman James Tomlinson caught behind for 11. However, the dismissal sparked a marathon stand between Carberry and McKenzie. By lunch, the home side had reached 159 for three and during the afternoon session the duo stepped up the run-rate as Kent’s attack struggled for rhythm. Robbie Joseph, Alex Blake and James Hockley all went at over four runs per over.

Carberry reached his ton, off 180 balls, while McKenzie soon followed, making his from 183 balls, as the pair helped the home side cruise to 312 for three at tea. Kent did taste some further success in the evening session when McKenzie finally fell to give Cook his second wicket. Carberry then perished soon after; going for 158 as Joseph collected his second victim of the innings.

Captain Nic Pothas and talented youngster James Vince continued to add to Kent’s misery. Their unbeaten stand of 60 leaves Hampshire in a strong position on 404 for 5. It was a largely frustrating day for Kent’s attack and they will hope for much better on day three. Sri Lankan leg-spinner Malinga Bandara bowled 37 overs on the second day for no reward.