Northeast Brilliance Seizes Initiative

England spin bowler James Tredwell rejoined Kent following his appearance in the final NatWest Series one-day international at Trent Bridge. He replaced the pre-nominated Adam Riley ahead of the third day of the LV= County Championship Division Two match at Canterbury.

Having been asked by Derbyshire to ratify Kent's move, an ECB spokesman said: "We did review the position [regarding Tredwell] yesterday evening following a request from Kent. These days we try to operate on the basis that England players should be made available to their counties wherever possible, as long as there are no injury or workload issues."

Kent chief executive Jamie Clifford said: "If we are to continue to support the values of Team England, it is crucial that there is a spirit of co-operation between the counties and the ECB, and in particular where it is concerning players not centrally contracted to England."

On the pitch, a stunning championship-best score of 165 by opening batsman Sam Northeast put Kent in command of the fixture. At stumps, visitors Derbyshire had reached 30 for one after 17 overs in pursuit of a mammoth victory target of 404.

They will require a further 374 for victory on the final day after losing captain Wayne Madsen to a catch at second slip with only the fourth ball of their response – caught by Tredwell off Davies.

The day started with a Kent run feast as the hosts moved on for their parlous overnight position of 59 for three, to pile on the runs through Northeast.

The former England Under-19 batsman featured in century stands with Brendan Nash (62), then Michael Powell (56 not out) as Derbyshire mustered only one breakthrough in the opening two sessions, and that when Nash miscued an attempted paddle sweep soon after lunch.

Northeast posted a chanceless hundred, his third of the season, from 224 balls and with eight fours and had moved well beyond his previous best of 140 before his weary cut shot against Ross Whiteley picked out wide third man to end his six-hour vigil.

Thereafter, Kent lost four wickets in as many overs in the pursuit of quick runs – two of them to foolish run outs – to spark Rob Key's declaration just before 4.30pm that left the visitors to face the 17 remaining overs.