Tom Taylor made two late crucial breakthroughs and James Hartshorn picked up the prized wicket of Kent double century-maker Tawanda Muyeye to put Worcestershire back in control on day three of the Vitality County Championship match at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
All-rounder Taylor had bowled well with little luck in Kent’s first innings but was rewarded with three scalps today, including Grant Stewart and Matt Parkinson with the second new ball, in the final stages of the day
Then in the final over Hartshorn had Muyeye caught behind by keeper Gareth Roderick for a superb 211 as Kent ended the day on 353-8 – a lead of 77.
Every Worcestershire player shook Muyeye’s hand as he departed from the middle in a typical show of sportsmanship.
Taylor finished with figures of 3-85 and kept running in all day with pace and aggression as Worcestershire kept chipping away with the ball and there were two wickets apiece for Hartshorn and Adam Finch.
It was also one of those days for Worcestershire where the half chances did not quite go to hand or stick in contrast to the superb display in the field on day one.
But they are still in the driving seat despite Muyeye’s heroics and looking tomorrow to complete a second successive victory in the competition.
Kent had started a truncated third day – play did not begin until 2pm – on 104-2, still needing a further 174 to avoid an innings defeat after being outplayed during the first half of the game.
But Muyeye, who resumed unbeaten on 80, again looked a class performer as he completed the first double century of his career.
Jack Leaning began proceedings with a trio of boundaries but James Hartshorn brought about his downfall in the third over of the day.
He was undone by a full and swinging delivery from the New Zealander and was plumb lbw for 27.
Muyeye completed his century from 109 balls with a single off Joe Leach.
But the introduction into the attack of Adam Finch led to another breakthrough in his first over of the day.
Joey Evison (16) pushed forward and was caught behind by Gareth Roderick low down to his right.
Muyeye continued to bat in impressive fashion although he was fortunate to edge Ethan Brookes just short of Rob Jones second slip and then inches in front of Brett D’Oliveira at mid wicket.
He also had a slice of luck on 135 when he top edged Hartshorn in between two fielders at backward square leg.
Club Captain D’Oliveira brought himself into the attack as an all-spin combination alongside opener Jake Libby as Kent reached 222-4 from 58 overs by tea.
Harry Finch provided staunch support for Muyeye although he was relieved when edging Tom Taylor and seeing a head high chance not grasped by first slip.
But Taylor kept plugging away and was rewarded when Harry Finch was caught in the crease and lbw.
Muyeye went past his previous best score of 179 with a six over long on.
Worcestershire claimed the second ball immediately it became available at 318-5 from 80 overs although they were unable to stop Muyeye completing his double hundred.
But Taylor did strike to end a stand of 84 when Stewart was trapped lbw for 41 at 333-6 and then had Matt Parkinson (10) caught behind.
