County Championship: 43-year-old Darren Stevens blasts record-breaking double century for Kent

Time and again we have seen individuals proving that age is just a number in cricket. The likes of Pravin Tambe, Ashish Nehra and in recent days Chris Gayle and Lasith Malinga have proved that age really does not make a difference when one has the right skill-set. Darren Stevens of Kent has now proved it once again.

At the age of 43 years and 139 days, Darren Stevens scored a historic first-class double-century against Yorkshire. In the process, he became the oldest cricketer to achieve this feat. The record was previously held by Walter Keeton who had achieved the feat way back in 1949. Stevens finished his record-breaking innings on 237 off 225 balls. The knock was studded 28 fours and nine sixes.

He was well supported by his captain and Chennai Super Kings star Sam Billings who remained not out on 138. Stevens came out to bat when Kent were in a precarious position after being reduced to 39 for 5. However, he added 346 runs with Billings to not only bail Kent out of trouble but also placed his team to a great position. Apart from the record, Steven went past his previous best of 208, which came against Glamorgan in 2005.

The highest stand of the season

The huge 346-run stand between Darren Stevens and Sam Billings is the highest partnership in the ongoing County Championship this season. The duo also broke the all-time highest sixth-wicket stand for Kent. The previous record highest stand was held by Aravinda de Silva and Mark Ealham. The two had added 315 runs against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 1995.

The 346-run partnership also became the highest partnership at Headingley. Darren Stevens, meanwhile, also enjoyed a fair share of luck as he scored his first hundred since 2017. Stevens received two reprieves – first when he was batting on 149 and second when he was batting on 156. The latest knock has also put Stevens in a good spot as far as receiving a new contract is concerned.

He was due to leave Kent after 15 years following next week’s game against Hampshire. However, his double-century has made Kent plan to discuss a new deal with the all-rounder. Not only with the bat, but Stevens is also having a great time with the ball too. In his previous game against Nottinghamshire, Steven picked up 10 wickets.