County Championship: Alex Lees hits century against relegated Kent

A sparkling century from Alex Lees gave Durham the upper hand in their County Championship clash with Kent despite a six-wicket haul from Matt Parkinson.

Play was abandoned without a ball bowled on days one and two after heavy downpours at the Seat Unique Riverside, so Lees was on a mission to get quick runs with so much time lost in the game.

Lees (144 off 180 balls) was well backed up by Emilio Gay (52) and David Bedingham, who made a swashbuckling 66, as the hosts were all out for 360 in their first innings.

Parkinson led a fightback by relegated Kent after tea as he picked up figures of 6-109 to give the visitors some hope.

Kent’s reply did not get off to the best start as they lost early wickets but Harry Finch and Jack Leaning combined for a partnership worth 72 to hold up the hosts as they closed on 96-3, still 264 behind.