Five wickets from Andrew Hall, a century from Martin Van Jaarsveld and a sparkling 85 from Joe Denly put Kent in a strong position against Surrey.

After two days at Whitgift School, Kent were 269-3, with an emphatic lead over the hosts, who mustered just 166.

The superb Hall took 5-59, as Matt Nicholson top-scored with 48 not out.

In reply, despite losing the early wicket of Robert Key for six, Kent's batsmen prospered in Croydon while Surrey dropped three vital chances.

Denly was missed on 21 and 48 before he was bowled by a Rikki Clarke yorker.

South African Kolpakker Van Jaarsveld was also dropped, by Scott Newman on 89, and was unbeaten on 127 at the close.

The duo put on 161 for the second wicket.

Dropped catches were a feature of the day - with Kent not immune to the problem.

Matt Walker will take no further part in the match after picking up a cut to his thumb, which required nine stitches when spilling a chance offered by Nayan Doshi.