Kent bowlers roll over Lancashire

The Kent groundstaff came under fire from the Lancashire coach, Bobby Simpson, for not using the heavy roller for long enough between innings yesterday. But by the close it looked as if that particular piece of equipment had been used on Lancashire, so outplayed were they.

Not content with adding a few more tail-end runs – Martin Saggers scored his maiden first-class half century and shared in a ninth-wicket partnership of 116 with the wicketkeeper Paul Nixon – the home side then proceeded to bowl out Lancashire for a paltry score and establish a solid first-innings lead of 134.

Kent have looked an improved side under the guidance of the former Australian Test batsman, John Inverarity. Last season they managed 18 batting bonus points and just four Championship hundreds. This season they already have 23 points and a dozen centuries.

Unfortunately this is Inverarity's last Championship match in charge before his short-term contract ends and he reverts to his proper job as headmaster of Hale School, near Perth. Responsibility at Kent will then devolve to Chris Stone, who has been on the coaching staff for two years. But at least Inverarity knows he is leaving a healthy county.

Before Lancashire could begin their reply Simpson caused a two-over delay while the heavy roller rumbled out for an extra three minutes, the groundstaff admitting it had only been used for six of the statutory seven minutes.

But it only delayed the inevitable as Lancashire soon fell foul of the new-found competitive edge in the Kent attack, most notably Mark Ealham, who dismissed six of Lancashire's best for his most productive return in almost two years.

Neil Fairbrother was the pick of the Lancashire batsmen, but even he only reached 39. The fast bowler John Wood tried to revive the visitors with a hefty 25, but Kent were then able to add comfortably to their lead before the close.