Heino Kuhn starred for Kent as county cricket returned on Saturday.

Kuhn scored his maiden first-class century for Kent in their Bob Willis Trophy opener against 2019 county champions Essex.

The South African hit an unbeaten 140 at Chelmsford, with Kent reaching 344/6 at the close of day one.

It was the first century by any player in the inaugural competition, which replaces the County Championship this summer.

Kuhn said: "It's great to be back out there and we have been waiting months for it. To top it off with a hundred is a great feeling."

His wife, meanwhile, is expecting any time soon and he added: "Fingers crossed she can keep it in until the end of the game."

Kent hadn’t got off to a good start in their first game back, playing in a new competition in what is a shortened 2020 season.

Reduced to 23-3 after six overs, with the early dismissals of Daniel Bell-Drummond (6), Jordan Cox (15) and debutant Jack Leaning (0), Kent recovered.

Kuhn and Ollie Robinson (78) - with his sixth first-class half-century - shared a 150-run partnership to swing the momentum back their way.

Darren Stevens added 36 and Grant Stewart 37 as Kent passed 300. Kuhn and Marcus O’Riordan (20 not out) will resume when day two action begins at 11am on Sunday.

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