Ed Smith scored a third century in as many innings to upstage an impressive Notts debut for Kiwi spinner Daniel Vettori.

Smith, who was adding to his ton in the championship against Surrey and another against Glamorgan in the National League, scored 149 off 143 balls.

But Kent did not have it all their own way, with Vettori engineering a mid-innings collapse that saw four wickets fall for 23 runs.

Left-arm spinner Vettori returned 4-74 in a good display, removing the dangerous Australian Andrew Symonds for eight in a key dismissal.

Smith's excellent innings looked likely to be wasted when Kent slumped to 121-5, but a blazing 82 (off 78 balls) from keeper Geraint Jones saved the day.

Notts skipper Jason Gallian (51) got the reply off to a good start before becoming Robert Ferley's second victim.

Pakistani Mohammad Sami then capped a good day for Kent by taking three quick wickets late in the day to reduce Notts from 113-2 to 121-5.

Kent: D P Fulton (Capt), R W T Key, E T Smith, A Symonds, M J Walker, M A Ealham, G O Jones (Wkt), J C Tredwell, R S Ferley, Mohammad Sami, A Sheriyar.

Nottinghamshire: J E R Gallian (Capt), G E Welton, D J Bicknell, K P Pietersen, R J Warren (Wkt), C L Cairns, P J Franks, D L Vettori, G J Smith, R J Logan, A J Harris.