Whilst travelling from Southampton to Canterbury on Thursday evening, I listened to an interesting radio conversation on the merits of the County Championship, and that this mediocre, almost Victoriana competition did not attract spectators.

If any of these gentlemen were at Canterbury today on a fine sunny spring day, they would have watched County Cricket at it's finest, and watched by a large crowd.

Resuming overnight at 340-2, Kent set off to achieve a giant score, with Australian Andrew Symonds and Ed Smith continuing where the innings left off. The added 28 smart runs before with the new ball taken after the new 90 over rule, England Academy prospect Chris Tremlett with some extra bounce dismissed Smith and Walker in quick succession. Symonds however showed a superb array of shots before holing out to Robin Smith on the deep square boundary just before lunch.

Early in the afternoon, Hampshire wicket-keeper Adi Aymes had to leave the field with knee ligament trouble, and Nic Pothas not unusual to the roll took over the gloves.

Some late hitting by Hewitt and Patel allowed Kent to declare with 10 overs to bowl before tea,

Surviving till the tea break, Kenway and Kendall both fell cheaply, but Robin Smith joined debutant John Crawley to see out time.

Crawley played some exquisite shots to prove Hampshire's keeness to obtain his services, and on a good wicket the visitors will be looking to achieve the task of scoring the 428 needed to avoid a follow on.

© Hampshire Cricket