KENT reached the mid-point of their Frizzell Championship campaign by suffering a crushing innings and 45-run defeat to reigning champions Sussex.

It was the largest winning margin for Sussex against Kent at Hove since 1939 and no more than the hosts deserved for dominating the game from its first afternoon.

After building a first innings lead of 288, they duly shot out David Fulton’s side for 243 in the space of 97.1 overs to record a maximum points win with 47 overs and a shade more than three hours to spare.

Matthew Walker (62) and Matthew Loudon (34), in a fifth wicket stand of 62 offered the only resistance on a slow, spin-friendly pitch that suited Mark Davis and Mushtaq Ahmed.

Davis, a former Kent 2nd XI player, claimed four for 57 while Mushtaq sent down 42 overs to finish with four for 94.

Kent were beaten home and away in the Championship by Sussex last season.

With just one win from nine starts in all forms of cricket, Kent reach the half-way stage of the summer in turmoil and in need of a fresh injection of runs and confidence from new overseas player Michael Bevan.

The Australian left-hander will make his debut against Middlesex in Southgate starting on Wednesday, when Kent will hope for an improved performance.