GARY Ballance reached his fourth hundred in as many Specsavers County Championship matches dating back to the end of last season this morning as Yorkshire push for victory over Kent at Canterbury.

The White Rose are in control, despite conceding a first-innings lead of 86.

They have advanced their second innings from 166-3 at the start of day three to 261-3 from 78 overs at lunch, a lead of 175. Ballance has reached 103 not out.

Ballance and Jack Leaning, unbeaten on 40, have batted through the morning without alarm on a pitch which has got better for batting, taking their fourth-wicket partnership to 122.

While pitch conditions have eased from day one, it is likely that Yorkshire's more potent attack will still pose problems for Kent’s batsmen later today and tomorrow as they chase a second win in three matches.

Ballance reached his ton off 196 balls with 18 fours to follow Championship hundreds against Worcestershire last September and then Nottinghamshire and Hampshire last month.