WHEN rain led to an early tea interval at 3.45pm, Kent had reached 220 for three after 62 overs, for an overall lead in the game of 415.

Fifties by Ed Smith and Alex Loudon helped Kent into a strong position over Canterbury Week rivals Sussex despite the post-lunch demise of Michael Bevan.

For the second time on three innings Bevan shouldered arms to a straight one, this time losing his off stump to Mohammad Akram to complete a disappointing home debut with scores of nought and eight.

Loudon had added 99 in tandem with Ed Smith (40) before going just two balls after reaching his 50.

Attempting to run down the wicket to wrist-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, he failed to get to the pitch and clipped back an overhead return catch to the bowler.

Smith later followed him to the landmark with an on-driven boundary off Akram to reach his half-century from 103 balls and with five fours.

But just seven short of a second century in the game Smith clipped a James Kirtley slower-ball toward mid-on and cried ‘no’ in anguish as Robin Martin-Jenkins accepted the simple catch.

Earlier, Kent skipper David Fulton opted against enforcing the follow-on, but was soon nursing a painful blow for his troubles.

Batting again with a first innings lead of 195, Fulton opened the innings but lasted only four balls before retiring hurt on two.

The right-hander ducked into a bouncer from Mohammad Akram and the force of the blow left him nursing a cut head just above his forehead.

With blood dripping from the wound and down over his whites, Fulton received treatment on the field from Kent physiotherapist Martyn Sigley but then walked from the field for ice treatment.

He resumed his innings at the fall of Smith’s wicket and saw his side through to tea.