KENT all-rounder Andrew Symonds hammered a 98-ball ton to salvage the county's first innings against Worcestershire.

Responding to the hosts' 453 all out, Kent slid to 31 for two inside five overs before Symonds came in to save face with his second Championship century this summer.

Thanks to Symonds, Kent looked in reasonable shape in reaching 185 for three after 32 overs.

After Kent lost Michael Carberry (8) and Ed Smith (1) before lunch, Symonds teamed up with in-form Rob Key to add 85 in 15 overs before Key's purple patch came to an end with his score on 29.

In trying to shoulder arms to an Andrew Hall lifter, Key allowed the ball to run down the face of the bat to gift Steve Rhodes a simple catch.

But Matt Walker (28 not out) came in to play a good supporting role to Symonds' heavy hitting as the Queenslander reached three figures in 115 minutes and with 19 fours.