Kent's hopes of staying in Division One were left hanging by a thread after a disastrous second day against Hampshire in the County Championship at Canterbury.
In response to Hampshire’s first-innings total of 403, Kent collapsed to 64-5, with Kyle Abbott wreaking havoc by taking three wickets for just 23 runs. This sharp decline has left Kent trailing by 339 runs at stumps, raising the possibility of relegation if they lose and other results go against them.
The day began with Hampshire resuming on 213-7, and any hopes of a quick finish for Kent were dashed by Tom Prest’s brilliant 102 and Brad Wheal’s career-best 61. Prest, who smashed 21 runs off a single Matt Parkinson over, reached his century in exactly 100 balls but was eventually caught by Jas Singh on the deep mid-wicket boundary. Even the last-wicket partnership proved costly for Kent, as Wheal, hitting a six off Singh, added 71 runs with his partner before lunch. Hampshire were finally bowled out for 403 when Wheal played on.
Kent’s reply got off to a rocky start, with Muhammad Abbas removing Tawanda Muyeye, who was controversially given out caught behind for five. Things worsened when Abbott struck three times in quick succession, dismissing Daniel Bell-Drummond, Jack Leaning, and Joe Denly, the latter two falling for ducks.
Evison provided some resistance with 21, but he too was caught behind off Wheal’s bowling. The situation might have been even worse for Kent, but rain and bad light mercifully ended the day’s play early.
With Hampshire claiming five points and Kent three, the home side's survival in Division One is in jeopardy unless they can mount a remarkable turnaround.