Stokes makes do with net practice as rain prevents play at Beckenham

Durham 173 for 5 (Bedingham 72*) trail Kent 523 by 350 runs

Kent were left frustrated after overnight rain meant no play was possible on the third day of their Rothesay County Championship Division Two clash with early-season pace-setters Durham.

Chasing a third consecutive victory. Kent had hoped to press home the advantage built on Saturday, with Durham set to resume on 173 for 5, still 350 runs behind the hosts.

Despite clear overhead conditions at Beckenham, moisture had seeped beneath the covers. onto the playing surface, resulting in a series of umpire inspections throughout the day while players and supporters waited patiently for conditions to improve.

Ben Stokes, one of Durham's two overnight not-out batters, took advantage of the delay with an extensive early-morning net session,. that proved to be the only sighting of the England captain in the middle before play was officially abandoned for the day at 4.08pm with the ground bathed in sunshine.