MAIDSTONE. England, July 6: Sri lauikan Test batsman Aravinda de Silva became the first player to reach 1.000 runs for the season in the English county championship on Wednesday as he hit his second double century in successive matches, reports Reuter.

De Silva’s 245 not out for Kent against Derbyshire was also die highest individual championship score of the season — beating his own 225 scored in die previous match against Nottinghamshire.

lie shared a fourth-wicket stand ol 568 in 80 overs w ith Graham Cowdrey. who hit 157. to set a record partnership for any wicket for Kent — Iieating the previous best of 566 by Simon Hinks and Neil Taylor against Middlesex at Canterbury four years ago.

Kent finished die opening day on -i 86 for tour from 124 overs.'

The 29-year-old Sri lan kart, whose 200 came in 25" minutes from 22" lulls including 54 fours and a six. produced a superb array of shots against a Derbyshire attack minus Dominic < ork and Devon Malcolm.