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CCD2: Alastair Cook falls just short of half-century; Kent collapse at Northants

Alastair Cook of Essex hits out during day two of the LV County Championship match against Surrey at The Kia Oval
Image: Alastair Cook: Fell just short of his half-century for Essex in Bristol

England Test captain Alastair Cook fell two short of a fifty in Essex's 319 all out against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

Cook was dismissed lbw by Benny Howell (3-50) before a mini-collapse among the top order.

The visitors were indebted chiefly to half-centuries from sixth-wicket pair Ryan ten Doeschate (73) and James Foster (63), who put on 115 together.

But Howell's fellow seamers Liam Norwell and James Fuller also finished with three wickets each.

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Bottom-of-the-table Kent, meanwhile, collapsed to Northamptonshire seamers Rory Kleinveldt (5-41) and Azharullah (5-31) at Wantage Road.

After a washout on day one, in the only match of this round starting on Saturday, Kent moved to a promising 93-2 after being put in.

But they were then bowled out for just 140 and by the close their hosts were in front on 193-7, thanks to Rob Keogh (68) and captain Alex Wakely (50).

Matt Coles did his best to keep Kent in contention, though, by taking 4-62 as another rush of late wickets evened up the contest.

At Derby, the hosts' Ashes hopeful Mark Footitt and Wayne White took three wickets each as second-placed Surrey lost their last four wickets for four runs to be bowled out for 239, after Gary Wilson had made 65.

Derbyshire replied with 64-1 with Ben Slater (21no) and Hamish Rutherford (23no) at the crease.

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