ED SMITH’s glittering run of batting form continued when county cricket returned to The Mote yesterday with Notts as the visitors.

The stylish Kent batsman smashed 149 as he rescued the home team from a precarious 121 for five during a chaotic morning session that produced a crazy 190 runs.

The Mote is at its finest for this Maidstone Week match; the outfield was lightning fast and the boundaries short.

Things did not look so bright as Kent, looking for their first Frizzel County Championship victory of the season, lost captain David Fulton with just 11 runs on the board.

But Smith and opener Rob Key, released by England to try to play his way back into test level batting form, launched the fireworks with an 87-run partnership.

When your luck’s down, fate has a habit of kicking you in the teeth and Key suffered just as he was getting into a rhythm.

Having scored 31, he had the misfortune to see an exquisite straight drive by Smith deflected onto his stumps as he backed up and he was run out.

This dismissal sparked a mini-collapse as Andrew Symonds (8), Matthew Walker (0) and Mark Ealham (5) departed, all victims of New Zealand international spinner Daniel Vettori, making his debut for Notts.

Wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has been steady with the bat this season and gave Smith perfect support as the two settled down on the placid Maidstone wicket.

The pair smashed 178 in just 24 overs until Smith was eventually caught trying to add to his tally of 22 fours.

The Kent tail wagged firmly, with the last four wickets adding 63 runs and Sami entertaining a good-sized crowd with 16 as Kent scored a remarkable 362 in just 61.3 overs.

Notts started their first innings reply, Jerome Gallion stroking 51 before former Sutton Valence School boy Rob Ferley dismissed both openers with his gentle spin.

Kent would have been happy to close the first day with Notts on 106 for two but Sami ripped through the batting line-up in the last half hour, taking three wickets in one over.

First he had Warren caught caught behind for one, then Harris was judged lbw, a little harshly and then Key made Maidstone’s day with a fine catch as he ran backwards from silly short leg as the dangerous Pietersen tried to hook the young Pakistani, who is beginning to lookm a daunting prospect for Kent.