Crawley’s Gritty Fifty Helps Kent Escape with a Draw After Gloucestershire Scare

Crawley’s Gritty Fifty Helps Kent Escape with a Draw After Gloucestershire Scare

Kent held on for a dramatic draw against Gloucestershire in the County Championship Division Two match at Canterbury, thanks to a resolute unbeaten half-century from England opener Zak Crawley.

Despite a late collapse triggered by Gloucestershire’s Tom Price, who finished with figures of 4 for 33, Crawley’s determined 54 not out off 112 balls helped the hosts survive a tense final session and close on 124 for 6, chasing a notional target of 413 from 41 overs.

Gloucestershire appeared in control after declaring at 333 for 5 midway through the afternoon session, but their delayed declaration may have cost them victory. Miles Hammond (89), Ollie Price (56), and Graeme van Buuren (58*) all contributed to building a substantial lead, but the final push came too late.

The visitors resumed on 112 for 2 on the final morning, looking to build a quick lead. While Hammond batted fluently, bringing up his half-century in 79 deliveries, Price was more cautious, taking 116 balls to reach fifty. However, progress slowed considerably before lunch, with only one wicket falling in nearly two hours of play — Ollie Price caught behind off Jack Leaning.

After lunch, Joey Evison trapped Cameron Green lbw and Leaning removed Hammond shortly after, but van Buuren’s fluent batting and a lack of urgency meant the declaration didn’t come until after 3 p.m., by which time a meaningful chase was unlikely.

Kent’s reply began poorly, with Price removing first-innings double-centurion Ben Compton for 1 and Daniel Bell-Drummond for 2, leaving the hosts reeling at 8 for 2 at tea.

Price struck twice more, dismissing Tawanda Muyeye lbw and having Jack Leaning caught at second slip, briefly reigniting Gloucestershire’s hopes. Kent were 49 for 4 with 22 overs remaining.

Further wickets followed — Joey Evison was bowled by Josh Shaw and Harry Finch, battling with a broken finger, was caught at slip off Ollie Price — leaving Kent at 120 for 6 with over seven overs still to survive.

But Crawley held firm, steering Kent to safety alongside Grant Stewart, who finished on 16 not out. Stewart provided crucial resistance, even hitting two boundaries in the final over to ensure there were no final twists.

While Gloucestershire may reflect on what could have been with an earlier declaration, Kent will take confidence from their fighting spirit — and Crawley’s return to form under pressure.

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