A determined and dogged Middlesex reduced Kent to 193-8 at ‘tea’ at the end of the second session of their day/night match on Monday, despite a 51 run seventh wicket partnership between former Seaxe Harry Podmore and Adam Rouse.

Commencing the ‘afternoon’ session at 93-3 the visitors soon saw Harris castle Crawley for five with the home side 106-5 on a gloriously sunny afternoon here at Canterbury – after Tim Murtagh snaffled Sam Billings, caught Hilton Cartwright for 17, seven runs earlier at 99-4.

Denly was next out for 37, caught Malan, bowled Fuller with the score on 114-6.

Haggett then edged Fuller to John Simpson behind the wicket for seven to leave Kent struggled at 134-7.

The home side rallied through former Middlesex man Harry Podmore – who’s performed well at his new club in helping the Spitfires to the Royal London final on Saturday with a return to Lord’s.

The highly-rated Podmore hit a jaunty 32 from 31 balls as he and Adam Rouse put on 51 for the eight wicket before the former was caught by sub fielder Tom Barber off the bowling of Patel at 185-8.

Kent moved on to 193-9 by the end of the second session with the impressive Rouse unbeaten on 32 off a solid 72 balls.