THE introduction of spin at both ends proved Kent's undoing as they lost three wickets for just three runs in the run up to tea in today's pre-season friendly against Northamptonshire.

The visitors coasted to 90 without loss after electing to bat first on day one of this two-day curtain raiser, but Kent then suffered a collapse at the hands of Jason Brown and Graeme Swann to slide to 174 for five.

David Fulton, with 39 and Rob Key, 64 from 104 balls, gave Kent a sound start at a cold and blustery Wantage Road and kept the board ticking despite three minor rain breaks.

Fulton was first to go, bowled by Brown after advancing to drive, then Key was trapped leg before on the crease by a Steffan Jones off-cutter.

Matt Walker (15) and Ed Smith (49) re-grouped to take the score on to 168 with a third wicket partnership of 63, but Smith's demise sparked the loss of three wickets in 21 balls.

Attempting a back foot-forcing shot, Smith slightly mis-timed and pushed back a firm return catch to Swann.

The same bowler then had Walker caught off a skyer by keeper Gerard Brophy after a top-edged sweep then Brown turned one through Michael Carberry's defence to send the ex-Surrey man packing for only two.

Alex Loudon (1) and Niall O'Brien took Kent into tea without further alarm, but fading light and rain during the interval left prospects for any further play looking particularly bleak.

Kent: Fulton, Key, Smith, Walker, Carberry, Louden, O’Brien, Tredwell, Patel, Saggers, Khan, Stiff, Dennington.