Heavy rain hit the south coast this morning delaying the start to the second day of Kent's LV Championship match with Sussex in Hove.

The hosts, 213 for seven overnight, were unable to resume their innings once the deluge arrived at 10.30am and although the rain stopped by 1pm, mopping up forced the umpires to plan a 2pm inspection, at which they said play could start within 45 minutes as long as the rain held off.

On the opening day of the match Kent hit back strongly after tea to take five wickets and restrict the hosts to one batting bonus point.

Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat, playing against former county, was Kent's star turn with the ball claiming four for 68 while Robbie Joseph bagged the scalps of Chris Nash and Michael Yardy on his season's debut.