COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Chelmsford
Essex v Kent
29 April - 2 May (Play starts 1100 BST)
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Essex 330-7(Essex 3 pts, Kent 2pts)

Matt Walker just missed out on a first Essex ton against his former county as the home side reached 330-7 on the opening day against Kent at Chelmsford.

The 35-year-old left-hander, in his first season at Essex, fell just two shy of a 26th first-class century when trapped Leg before by Robbie Joseph.

Walker was dropped at second slip by Martin Van Jaarsveld off Martin Saggers before he had even scored.

Alastair Cook made 41 but James Foster was still there at the close on 95.

Matt Walker told BBC Essex:

"It would have been nice to have got a couple more but it would have been nicer to have been batting on tomorrow.

"I had a bit of luck [after being dropped without scoring] and it was good to make them pay and get stuck in. It was hard work but I enjoyed my batting.

"It was nice to get some runs regardless of who it was against but at the back of your mind you always want to impress against your old mates."

"I was frustrated last year with the lack of opportunities and this year it's nice to be part of a team and contributing to a side that is hopefully going to win quite a few games."

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