Derbyshire and Kent’s chances of forcing a result in the final session of their LV= County Championship match at The 3aaa County Ground were scuppered by rain.
Earlier in the day, Mark Footitt (2-64) claimed two wickets, whilst there was a wicket each for Tony Palladino (1-36), Ben Cotton (1-70) and Chesney Hughes (1-19) as Derbyshire chased victory with Kent on 231-5, needing a further 98 runs to win.
Rain, however, arrived during the tea interval no more play was possible and the match was announced a draw at 5.30pm. Derbyshire claim 10 points while Kent pick up eight from the fixture.
Cotton and Footitt gave Derbyshire a perfect start to the day, removing Daniel Bell-Drummond (19) and Joe Denly (1) respectively within the first three overs of the day. That was, however, as good as it got in the morning session as Rob Key and Sam Northeast guided Kent to 115-2 at lunch.
The wicket of Key to Tony Palladino for 67 in the early overs after the interval looked to have handed the initiative back to the hosts but Northeast continued to plough on until his own attempts to force a win for his side were halted by Footitt after the Kent skipper had added 76.
The game was blown wide open once again off the penultimate ball before tea as Ben Harmison was dismissed by Chesney Hughes after he had reached 50 off the previous delivery, as Kent took tea on 231-5 to leave a further 98 runs required for victory in the final session.
Rain, however, ruined any chances of a positive result and, after several failed inspections, the two Captains shook hands on a well-contested draw at Derby.
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Derbyshire are back in action at The 3aaa County Ground on Wednesday 9 September with the visit of Essex. Adults can save £4 on their admission by purchasing in advance.
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