ESSEX needed just 28 balls on Thursday to complete an innings-and-260-run victory over Kent in their LV= Insurance County Championship match at Canterbury.
Once the rain stopped and play started on day four, the visitors claimed the remaining two wickets quickly to bowl Kent out for 149.
Sam Cook took 10 for 60 in the match, including seven for 33 in the second innings, while Jamie Porter claimed three for 50.
Jordan Cox was Kent’s top scorer with 65, but the hosts are now deep in the Division One relegation mire, having taken just a single point from the contest while Essex claimed 23.
Torrential rain delayed the start until 12.38pm, with Kent resuming on 137 for eight in their second innings, needing another 272 just to make Essex bat again.
In reality, with Milnes’ mobility drastically reduced due to a stress fracture in his back, Kent’s only hope of escaping with a draw was to bat for as long as possible and hope the rain returned.
Milnes, in what may be his final act as a Kent player before he moves to Yorkshire next season, lasted three overs before getting a bottom edge to Cook that was taken by a tumbling Nick Browne.
Although dark clouds were hovering, the rain stayed away and the victory was sealed when Cox edged Porter and fell to a juggling catch by Matt Critchley in the slips.
READ MORE
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here