Key’s rearguard action cements Kent’s reply at The Nevill

Kent v Nottinghamshire LV= County Championship Division 1, Day 2 Tunbridge Wells
By Mark Pennell
A dogged 43 scored in as many overs by Kent captain Rob Key was underpinning the hosts response against Nottinghamshire on a steamy day at Tunbridge Wells.
At tea on day two Kent had reached 139 for three in reply to Nottinghamshire“s 462 – to trail by 323 overall. They also require a further 174 to avoid the follow on having made a disappointing start to their pursuit by losing Joe Denly to the very first ball.
The England international opener, who scored nought and 149 here in 2008 and nought and 123 in the Royal Spa Town last season, continued the unusual trend when he fenced at a Darren Pattinson leg-cutter to be caught by David Hussey at second slip.
Key and Geraint Jones (37) added 53 either side of the lunch break before Jones nicked a drive to second slip then, moments before tea, Martin van Jaarsveld (44) edged an attempted cut to be caught behind.
Nottinghamshire“s first innings lasted a further 21 overs into the second day allowing their skipper Chris Read to complete his second ton of the championship season from 165 balls and with seven balls and a brace of sixes.
He lost ninth-wicket partner Graeme White for a respectable 35 when he nicked to James Tredwell at first slip from Matt Coles“ third ball of the day from the Railway End.
Coles was soon replaced by Malinga Bandara who wrapped up the innings by having last man Pattinson caught at silly point by Denly off a looping bat-pad chance. Bandara finished with three for 125, Tredwell two for 120 and Simon Cook was the pick with four for 85.
Sadly, Amjad Khan was unable to take to the field having injured his hamstring in the final over of Friday“s play.
Kent“s physiotherapist Nimmo Reid blamed the Spitfires hectic schedule, the workload and travel for the injury.
Having come into this game after back-to-back Friends Provident t20 matches on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Reid said: “In basic terms Amjad is fitter than he has ever been. It“s ridiculous that we“ve been made to play the amount of games we have already.”