Centuries from Wayne Madsen and Shiv Thakor ensured that Derbyshire amassed a 195-run first-innings lead and go into the final day versus Kent at Canterbury in a commanding position.
Having sat on 73 not out overnight, Madsen looked calm and assured in reaching his fourth century of the campaign from 183 balls, before an equally impressive second century of the summer by Thakor helped Derbyshire to 574-9 declared in their first innings.
That meant the hosts begun their second innings 195 runs behind their opponents, and managed to get through to the close of play, which was 3.3 overs early due to rain, on 32 without loss.
On the morning of Day Three, Derbyshire resumed on 291-3, but Neil Broom added just 11 to his overnight score of 15 before being first man out in the day – lbw to Mitch Claydon.
A watchful start by replacement Ben Slater followed, who held his end whilst Madsen moved swiftly through to the 22nd first-class century of his Derbyshire career from 183 balls to take Derbyshire past 350 and a fourth batting bonus point.
Slater fell for 19 before the lunch interval, which Derbyshire took on 421-5, having rapidly surpassed Kent’s first innings score of 379 and continued to dominate proceedings at Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence.
Shortly after lunch, Madsen reached 150 for the second time in 2016 and, in doing so, became the highest run-scorer across both divisions of the Specsavers County Championship.
Thakor had come in at number seven for the visitors and wasted no time in reaching his half century off 70 deliveries as he and Madsen shared a century partnership. The stand ended on 144 when Madsen was out for 163, trapped lbw by Matt Hunn.
Derbyshire took tea on 515-6, with Thakor edging towards a second hundred of the summer. On 94, he launched James Tredwell over the boundary to bring up his ton which came up in good time, taking just 147 balls.
Thakor was eventually out for 123 before a few late wickets fell to bring about the Derbyshire declaration on 574-9. Incidentally, it was the second time this season that both Madsen and Thakor scored hundreds in the first innings against Kent.
Tasked with safely negotiating the remaining 15 overs in the day, Kent openers Sean Dickson and Tom Latham batted steadily upon the resumption to take their side to 32-0 when the rain arrived in Canterbury and put paid to the remaining 3.3 overs in the day.
The Falcons are back in home NatWest T20 Blast action vs Northants Steelbacks at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield on Sunday 3 July. Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their NatWest T20 Blast matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game.
Northants Steelbacks – Sun 3 July – BUY
Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 10 July – BUY
Lancashire Lightning – Wed 13 July – BUY
Worcestershire Rapids – Fri 22 July – BUY
