FORMER Kent captain David Fulton had his wish for a swansong appearance granted and took the opportunity with alacrity by scoring 155 in Kent’s first day total of 353 for three.

Fulton and his former flat-mat Matthew Walker cashed in with hundreds against a mediocre Middlesex attack, who arrived at Canterbury already destined for second division cricket next summer.

Opening bat Fulton marked his 200th first-class appearance with the 28th century of his career, while Walker notched his 22nd career hundred and fifth of the campaign to finish unbeaten on 104 at stumps.

Fulton, 34, feared he had played his last innings for the club when he was dropped for last week’s game in Birmingham, but Rob Key’s absence on paternity leave opened the door for what might prove to be the right-hander’s final game.

He featured in an excellent opening stand worth 123 with Joe Denly who stroked an impressive 66 from 106 balls then, after the demise of acting skipper Martin van Jaarsveld for two in 20 balls, dug in with Walker to post 196 for the third wicket.

Fulton passed his first milestone of the day when he reached 34 and with it 12,000 career runs and went on to reach his second century of the summer from 204 balls, but with only nine fours.

He batted circumspectly at first, then used his feet nicely against the spinners to hit powerfully over the top to earn a deserved ovation for his 100th run - a single against Paul Weekes.

Fulton eventually went six overs from the close when flat-batting a loose ball from Chris Silverwood to backward point.

Walker received a let off when on 76 after Owais Shah fumbled a boundary chance, but went on to three figures just before the close from 228 minutes and with 14 fours.

With him and night watchman Rob Ferley at the crease Kent have power to add on day two and look intent on batting once on a parched pitch that should take spin after day two.

SCOREBOARD

Kent first innings

D P Fulton c Peploe b Silverwood 155
J L Denly b Silverwood 66
M van Jaarsveld c Joyce b Peploe 2
M J Walker not out 104
R S Ferley not out 4
Extras 22

Total 353 for three after 105 overs

Fall of wicket: 1-123, 2-138, 3-334

Bowling: Silverwood 21-5-62-2, Louw 18-3-49-0, Peploe 27-3-100-1, Wright 13-0-60-0, Hutton 4-0-25-0, Weekes 22-2-47-0.

Bonus points: Kent 4pts, Middlesex 1pt.

* Mark Pennell's day two report will appear here at the close of play this evening.