Day 3 of Essex v Kent has the hallmark of either a wicket or run fest. Kent starting close to 400 runs behind and possibly a player down injured suggests the former but on the evidence of the morning session that doesn’t look likely.

Scoring at just over 3 an over Kent reach 200/2 at lunch with Ben Compton (yes, from the batting dynasty) crafting a fine 97no. Essex tried manfully with combinations of bowlers – even two spinners Lawrence Critchley (has the sound of a 1930s private detective) – but with little reward.

The pitch looks flatter with each session so runs should flow and at this juncture a draw looks odds on. The pitch is being dried by a cold biting wind occasionally enhanced by pleasant Spring sunshine – finding a place out of the ‘breeze’ and in the sun is the spectators challenge for today.

I take it back! The one-eyed spectators of yesterday haven’t turned up today – there’s generous applause for every Kent success! Perhaps a few have made it over the Crossing?

Tea sees Kent 300/3 – 100 for 1 in that session. Compton goes for 129 to a rather tired shot but on the evidence seen yesterday and today, there will still be runs to be made on this pitch this time next week. Yes, I know we need to learn how to build long innings and bat and bat, but the balance here (and elsewhere) seems to have gone the other way. And yes, we cricket followers are never satisfied!

By the close just after 6pm, Kent had saved the follow on, Stevens scored a 50 to defy his years and Cox ends on 100no with Kent 405/5, just over 100 behind. This has draw written all over it but you can never tell with cricket. So is this going nowhere or somewhere?