The Cricketer wraps up the best of the action on day three of the 11th round of LV= Insurance County Championship matches in 2023
Chelmsford (day three of four): Kent 207 & 265-7, Essex 458-8d - Kent lead by 14 runs with three wickets remaining
Harry Finch batted for five hours in recording a valiant century for Kent that defied Essex from claiming a LV= Insurance County Championship victory inside three days.
The 28-year-old's 114 at a strike-rate of exactly 50 was his first sortie into three-figures since he compiled one two years ago against his former county Sussex, and the fifth of a mercurial first-class career.
Essex, looking for a fourth successive win to put pressure on Championship leaders Surrey, endured a frustrating day in the field as Finch led the way in partnerships of 93 and 72 with Ben Compton (39) and Joey Evison (56 not out) for the second and sixth wickets.
Simon Harmer whirled away for 38 overs, taking three wickets for a parsimonious 64 runs, but it was not enough to prevent Kent taking the match into a fourth day and ensuring Essex will have to bat again, Kent finished the day on 265 for 7, 14 runs ahead with three wickets in hand.
Joey Evison and Harry Finch have given Kent a chance of survival against Essex (Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Edgbaston (day three of four): Lancashire 327 & 182-6, Warwickshire 212 - Lancashire lead by 297 runs with four wickets remaining
Lancashire are hoping for kind weather on the last day of their LV= Insurance County Championship match with Warwickshire after they took charge on the third day at Edgbaston.
An incisive burst of spin-bowling followed by patient batting has engineered a strong position for the Red Rose.
After bowling the home side out for 212, for a first innings lead of 115, Lancashire closed a rain-shortened third day on 182 for 6 – 297 ahead as Keaton Jennings constructed an unbeaten 64.
Lord's (day three of four): Surrey 433, Middlesex 238 & 272-9 - Middlesex lead by 77 runs with one wicket remaining
Middlesex's batting frailties were ruthlessly exposed by London rivals Surrey as the reigning champions closed in on a big win on day three of their LV= Insurance Division One clash at Lord's.
Aussie seamer Sean Abbott, Jamie Overton and Tom Lawes claimed three wickets apiece as the hosts crumbled from their overnight 179 for 5 to 238 all out in their first innings, John Simpson making 60 and Josh de Caires 30 not out. The latest collapse means they still have only two batting bonus points out of 45 so far this season.
Following on 195 behind, stand-in skipper Mark Stoneman led the resistance with 72, but others came and went, before a career-best 46 not out for Ethan Bamber ensured there would be a fourth day.
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