Essex are falling headlong towards a heavy defeat at the hands of Kent as their batsmen again struggled at the crease at Southend.

After the visitors chose to declare just before lunch today (Friday) with a lead of 246, the Essex batsmen again struggled to find their form at Southchurch Park.

Irani's men were dismissed on Wednesday for 107 runs, and by tea this afternoon Essex were faring little better, with the score on 110 for 8, still 136 behind.

Defeat seems a near certainty unless the weather comes into play again but Essex will at least be trying to force Kent to bat again for their County Championship Division One win.

Earlier today (Friday) the visitors had declared their first innings total with the score at 353 for 7, having started on 253-4 overnight.

Robert Key lived up to his name and delivered the key batting performance, scoring 123.

After only managing to put 107 runs on the board in their first innings on Wednesday, Essex had spent Thursday in the field trying unsuccessfully to dismiss the visitors.

Find out more about Essex County Cricket Club including player profiles and fixtures for the 2001 season as well as a live scorecard.

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