Essex batsman Stuart Law missed out on his second century of the Championship season as Essex battled to avoid the follow-on by reaching 195 for four at leafy Tunbridge Wells.

Responding to the Hop County's mammoth first innings of 518 for five declared - Kent's best in the Championship since August 1999 - Essex slumped to 12 for three before Law saved face with a brilliant 99.

The right-hander from Brisbane sidled to the crease with his side in trouble at 12 for two after Ben Trott had sent back Paul Prichard and Paul Grayson to wicket-keepers' catches by Paul Nixon.

Law, the longest serving overseas professional in the championship, saw Darren Robinson go without addition, to a catch in the gully off Martin Saggers, before resurrecting the Essex innings with a fourth-wicket stand worth 164 in 45 overs.

He was given one life on 55 when Daryll Cullinan downed a tough chance at slip, but otherwise Law showed the form that has reaped 50 or more in his last five Championship innings in racing to 99 in 162 minutes.

But in attempting to work an off-side single, Law played over a well-flighted ball from Min Patel to improve Kent's chances of enforcing the follow-on which is still 174 runs away.

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