Stevens rues lapses but Kent well on top

Kent 397 for 9 (Stevens 81) lead Worcestershire 211 by 186 runsScorecard

Kent’s beneficiary Darren Stevens was already ‘suited and booted’ by the close of play having top-scored with 81 during Kent’s fascinating Specsavers County Championship tussle with promotion-chasing Worcestershire.

With a benefit dinner at the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham awaiting him, Stevens admitted his disappointment after his side had closed on 397 for 9 for an overall lead of 186 at the mid-point of this the 165th Canterbury Cricket Week fixture.

“We’re disappointed with our day’s work to be fair. I got in, Dickson and Denly did too, but we all got out without going on to get a big score,” said the former Leicestershire batsman.

“Yes, we’ve got a nice little lead, but we only wanted to be four or five wickets won at this stage. Personally I’m disappointed. I started counting down to my hundred and it proved a big mistake. It’ll be the last time I ever do that and I’m really gutted to miss out on three figures.

“If I were still there at the end of the day I’d be sitting pretty on 140 not out and the side would have a 220 lead. We should be in a stronger position.”

The 40-year-old all-rounder batted 142 minutes and hit 12 fours and a six which, in tandem with …

continue reading in source www.espncricinfo.com