Johannesburg-born Sean Dickson hits a recording breaking 318

Kent batsman Sean Dickson made his way to a rollicking 318, which was the first time a Kent batsman recorded a triple hundred since the World War II. Dickson agonisingly fell short by 14 runs for the record highest score by a Kent batsman which was set in 1934 by Bill Ashdown batting against Essex at Brentwood.

The Dickson-Denly show

Dickson formed a record-breaking partnership of 382 for the second wicket with former England batsman Joe Denly. The monumental stand is the highest partnership for any wicket recorded by a Kent pair. The double D’s – Dickson and Denly – grinded the Northamptonshire bowling attack as Kent went on to amass 701/7 before declaring their innings in the County Championship Division Two game held at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham. This was the highest score recorded by Kent at their home ground.

The 25-year old Dickson faced 408 balls for his 318 which included 31 fours and 3 sixes and was only his third first-class ton. It took him a little more than 8 hours to carve out one of the better innings by a Kent batsman. The right-hander was duly supported by Denly, who helped himself to a brisk 182 off 226 balls.

Northants were 180 for 1 at stumps on Day 2. With two full days still to go in the game, the visitors will have to play out of their skin to avoid defeat. Dickson was in awe of his batting partner Denly, who has played 14 limited over games for England.

Dickson holds an English passport

Sean Dickson made his first-class debut in 2013 when he appeared for Northerns, a first-class team in the South African domestic cricket. He moved to England in quest of better opportunities and started turning up for Kent since July 2015. Because his mother is of British origin, Dickson carries an English passport which enables Kent to play him as a local player rather than an overseas recruit.