Bell-Drummond strokes hundred for Kent

Canterbury (England), June 23 (IANS/CMC) Opener Daniel Bell-Drummond, who qualifies to play for West Indies through his parentage, stroked a third first class century to keep Kent afloat on the opening day of their English County Cricket Championship clash against Derbyshire here.

The 20-year-old, who has Jamaican parents, gathered a patient 101 to push Kent up to 259 for eight after they won the toss and opted to bat first at St Lawrence Ground Sunday, reports CMC

Bell-Drummond faced 268 balls in 5-3/4 hours at the crease and struck 11 fours.

Curbing his natural attacking flair, the right-hander settled down to add 48 for the first wicket with captain Rob Key (34) before adding a further 39 for the third wicket with former West Indies vice-captain Brendan Nash who got 21.

The key stand came with Darren Stevens who scored 45, as the pair added a crucial 91 for the fifth wicket. Once Stevens was out, however, Kent lost four wickets for just seven runs, with Bell-Drummond seventh out.

Experienced seamer Tony Palladino was the best bowler with five for 54.

Bell-Drummond, born in south London to parents Percy and Maisie, has already played for England Under-19s.

Kent is coached by former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams.

--IANS/CMC

vs/vr