Ben Stokes claimed the wicket of axed England teammate Zak Crawley as Durham gained the upper hand against Kent at Beckenham. The England Test captain dismissed Crawley for 30, adding to the opener's miserable run of form that saw him dropped from the squad for the New Zealand series.

Stokes finished with figures of 1 for 70, but Kent's young batsmen rescued their side. Nineteen-year-old Ben Dawkins smashed an unbeaten 181 while Sam Northeast contributed 141 in a massive 303-run stand that put Kent firmly in control. The partnership came after England's decision to axe Crawley following his poor Ashes performances and lackluster start to the County season.

Elsewhere, Jonny Bairstow celebrated his first century as Yorkshire captain, scoring 116 not out alongside Adam Lyth's 138 in a 241-run unbroken partnership against Surrey. James Rew also made 86 for Somerset after earning his England call-up, while Matthew Fisher took three wickets against his former club.

Crawley's omission appears justified given his 31 average from 64 Tests, and Michael Atherton believes the change was overdue. The young talent emerging in county cricket suggests England's rebuilding phase could bring fresh energy to the Test lineup.