WEAKENED by the loss of both their overseas players Kent made their first team changes in six championship starts on a disappointing opening day to their crucial Frizzell title decider against Nottinghamshire in Canterbury.

Bereft of Justin Kemp and Andrew Hall, the hosts gave a championship debut to 20-year-old South African-born Neil Dexter and gave former England seamer Martin Saggers his first four-day start since July 10.

But without their two overseas stars Kent suffered a low-key and error-ridden morning in the field as championship leaders Nottinghamshire piled on the runs to reach 397 for five at stumps on day one.

Saggers, who took the new ball instead of Hall, conceded 24 runs in his first five overs and went on to give away 67 in his first 15, wicket-less overs either side of lunch.

To add to their woes Kent were slipshod in the field dropping four catches into the bargain.

Openers Darren Bicknell and Jason Gallian both received a life, Bicknell downed by David Fulton at slip from a dolly chance off the bowling on Simon Cook then Gallian was missed at point by Matthew Walker when on 84.

To spare Fulton’s blushes Bicknell, who reached 1,000 runs for the campaign during his stay, went to a Cook in-swinger without addition to his score, then Khan, the unlucky bowler to see the Gallian chance go down, picked up two quick wickets to revive Kent spirits.

He trapped Russell Warren leg before then had Stephen Fleming held at cover off a miscued drive.

Darren Stevens then celebrated the award of his county cap with the prized wicket of Michael Hussey as the Australian drove uppishly to extra cover.

But just as Kent threatened to get on top, another catch went down and the champions elect cashed in.

Former England wicketkeeper Chris Read was on eight when Rob Key, hampered by a slight groin strain, downed a regulation chance at slip off the medium-pacers of Dexter.

Read took full advantage by teaming up with his skipper Gallian to add 146 for the fifth wicket in 32 overs.

During the stand Gallian, who reached a season’s best 191, posted his third century of the campaign from 185 balls and with 17 fours and reached 1,000 championship runs for the summer.

Read hit 75 from 113 balls before falling to the unusual combination of Matthew Walker and the new ball, mistiming a clip to mid-on where Fulton this time took a low catch.

That bought in former Kent favourite Mark Ealham to an ovation from the St Lawrence faithful and he chipped in with a fluent 24 before the close.

* MARK PENNELL'S DAY TWO REPORT WILL APPEAR HERE AT CLOSE OF PLAY.

SCORECARD

Nottinghamshire first innings

D J Bicknell b Cook 64
J E R Gallian not out 191
R J Warren lbw b Khan 8
S P Fleming c Saggers b Khan 1
D J Hussey c Dexter b Stevens 11
C M W Read c Fulton b Walker 75
M A Ealham not out 24
Extras 23

Total 397 for five after 104 overs.

Fall of wicket: 1-157, 2-174,l 3-178, 4-194, 5-340.

Bowling: Saggers 20-3-86-0, Khan 22-7-58-2, Cook 18-5-77-1, Dexter 10-1-55-0, Stevens 16-1-65-1, Patel 14-1-34-0, Walker 4-0-12-1.