AMJAD KHAN took three wickets in the space of 15 balls to heap pressure on the New Zealand tourists ahead of next week’s first Test.

The Danish strike bowler claimed three for nine to send back first-innings century-maker Michael Papps (2), Nathan Astle (0) and Scott Styris (12) within 10 overs of the Kiwi reply.

The tourists had reached 117 for six just after tea on this the third day of four, representing a slender lead of 96 in the match.

Kent declared at lunch on 432 for nine having just lost wicketkeeper Geraint Jones for an excellent 101 from 107 balls.

With a slender lead of 23, Kent skipper David Fulton gave the new ball to Alamgir Sheriyar and Khan, and it was the latter that broke through from the Nackington Road End.

He trapped Papps leg before with an off cutter and, two balls later, trimmed Astle’s off stump with a leg cutter.

In Khan’s next over Styris failed to get forward to another nipping off-cutter and again went leg before wicket.

Khan bagged his fourth scalp when Mark Richardson drove uppishly to cover point, then Craig Richadson missed an attempted sweep against Rob Ferley to go leg before for 12.

David Stiff got in on the act with his fourth wicket of the match when he plucked out Brendon McCullum's off stump to send the right-hander packing for 25.Since they first played New Zealand in 1927 Kent have yet to lose to the Kiwis and, at this rate, they look likely to add to their four wins in this the 10th meeting between the two.