LV= COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP, DIVISION TWO, Northampton:
Close, day one: Kent 202, Northants 86-3
Northants 3pts, Kent 2pts
Match scorecard

Former Sri Lanka seamer Chaminda Vaas claimed three wickets as Northants edged day one of their Division Two clash with Kent.

Captain Rob Key made 46 before being trapped lbw by Jack Brooks as Kent were skittled out for 202 before tea.

Brooks, Lee Daggett and Andrew Hall all claimed two wickets apiece as Kent lost their last seven wickets for 101 runs.

Northants opener Mal Loye ended the day on an unbeaten 42 as the hosts reached 86-3 in reply.

Former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones was the pick of the rest of Kent's batting line-up, as he battled well for 32 before being trapped lbw by Hall.

Northants began their innings slowly as the wickets of Stephen Peters (13) and Rob White (1) reduced them to 38-2 at one stage.

BBC Radio Kent's Ben Croucher reflects on day one at Northampton:

"It's been an indifferent day for Kent. Key, Stevens, Jones, Denly and Van Jaarsveld all looked confident and happy to play their strokes but all lost their wickets having played themselves in.

"The conditions certainly favoured the bowlers, and Northants bowled a very disciplined line. Jack Brooks was particularly impressive, bowling with aggression, intent and success.

"In reply, Northants showed Kent that a patient innings would reap rewards. Mal Loye was resolute in defence, picking only the bad balls to dispatch to the boundary.

"Kent will be buoyed by their bowling performance against Essex though, and will hope conditions continue to be overcast on the second morning. Darren Stevens' swing will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of this match."

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