Kent’s search for a first home win in this season’s LV= County Championship continued after their draw with Hampshire at Canterbury last Thursday.

The Division 2 clash was most notable for a season’s-best score of 180 from Rob Key and another century by in-form Brendan Nash.

It was a third championship ton of the season for 34-year-old Key, who is one of only three Kent players to average more than 41. His 779 runs have come at an average of 48.68 while Nash leads the way with 861 runs at 61.50 after notching his fourth ton of the summer.

On a wicket that offered little to any bowler throughout the four days, Hampshire were pedestrian on the opening day in reaching 263-3 after winning the toss.

Former Kent opener Michael Carberry closed the first day on 137 not out, with only Charlie Shreck, Darren Stevens and Calum Haggett claiming one wicket each.

Kent fared little better on day two, although Carberry went to Haggett (3-100) for 154 and captain James Tredwell picked up
3-83. Hampshire declared soon after lunch on 405-9.

Kent lost opener Sam Northeast for eight in reply but Key and Daniel Bell-Drummond took them to 200-1 at the close, the former reaching his century just before stumps.

Bell-Drummond fell early on day three for 79 having put on 189 with the former Kent skipper for the second wicket. Key and Nash then put on 113 for the third wicket before Key was bowled by Danny Briggs for 180.

Wickets started to fall regularly thereafter, although Nash took Kent well into the lead before going for an impressive 126.

By the time Haggett was dismissed for 22, Kent led by 108 runs and Hampshire had seven overs to survive to the close. They reached 15-0 and then were never seriously troubled on the final day, although their run rate was only marginally above two runs an over throughout.

Carberry made 66 and Liam Dawson an unbeaten 78 as they declared on 200-4.