The overlooked opener reaches a firstclass hundred earlier than Kent’s overdue battle
Northamptonshire 5 for 362 (Gay 101, Proctor 81, Vasconcelos 66 vs.) canto
That was once, a minimum of, till a mini-revival from Kent sponsored him: the brand new ball helped convey Kent again, Darren Stevens took 2 for 52 and Matt Quinn took 2 for 77. , because the northerners achieve just about 5.
Kent misplaced the toss for the 7th day trip of 8 this season and have been left to feel sorry about their good fortune as soon as once more because the guests elected to bat, with Vasconcelos and Gay hanging on a 135 for the primary wicket. Take benefit of the delicate floor.
Kent bowled with some hostility, however there was once no actual risk and the one step forward got here within the twenty sixth over, when Quinn swung previous Vasconcelos, switching on the Neckington Road finish.
The guests reached 141 for one at lunchtime and Gay persevered to play with measured aggression after the smash, conceding six runs to Marcus O’Riordan at long-on to move his earlier very best firstclass rating of 77. He reached 3 issues when he noticed Jack Leaning at sq. leg for 2, however was once later pushed aside via the similar bowler with out including to his rating, stuck at the back of after slashing a large supply.
Gay, 21, attended Bedford School and made his firstclass debut for the Northants on the finish of the 2021 season. He was once dropped two video games into the season, however was once recalled after Ben Curran’s low rating for this fixture.
“When I was close to 100, probably since 80, I was a little more nervous than usual,” Gaye stated. “In two crickets I really don’t get so nervous but with this being my first [century] I was. luke [Procter], from my experience just kept punching me and saying take your time, don’t get ahead of yourself and it definitely helped.
“From a staff standpoint we could not have wanted for a greater day, batting first Sun out. I feel we capitalized in reality neatly and constructed partnerships. We nonetheless have some paintings to do the following day morning: We’ve were given to position our ft down and make the most of what is been an ideal day.”
The Northants have been 246 for two at tea and scored 314 for no loss earlier than Quinn was once lbw to Proctor within the 82nd over. Stevens then struck two times, luring Rob Keogh to an edge in the beginning slip, the place he was once stuck for 38 via Jordan Cox, earlier than sending Adam Rossington’s off-stump flying in his subsequent over, sending him Bowled for 4 runs.
When Stevens was once changed on the finish of Neckington Road, the drive eased and Saif Zaib and Tom Taylor batted for the general 30 minutes, scoring 17 and 19 now not out respectively.
.
