Captain Rob Key is hopeful the side can build a decent lead after centuries for himself and Brendan Nash put Kent into a good position against Surrey.
Key and Nash each made 126 as Kent reached 355-4 at the close of play two, giving themselves a lead of 70 runs over the visitors.
The skipper’s innings of 126 from 206 deliveries also saw him pass 18,000 First Class runs, as he notched up his 52nd hundred for Kent in four-day cricket.
Though Key was pleased with the day’s performances, he was keen to stress the fact that there was still plenty of work to do for Kent to win the game.
“If you start getting too far ahead of yourself, you end up in a bit of trouble”, he said.
“We’ve got to get through the first hour tomorrow – that will be crucial, as every cricketer says – the first hour or every morning is always crucial.
“Hopefully we can just continue to build a decent lead.”
The former England international admitted he was not aware of the 18,000 runs milestone until he had passed it.
“I knew I was on 17,000-and something”, he admitted. “But I didn’t really have a clue until someone mentioned it and people started clapping!
Key also praised former West Indian international Nash, with whom he put on a partnership of 197 in just 41.3 overs.
“Nashy played well”, said Key. “He came in and scored at not far off a-run-a-ball.
“We got to a position on a good pitch where, similarly to when we bowled, it got better as the ball got softer, so we tried to take advantage of that and just keep playing positively as much as we could.
“We had to take the opportunities to score when they were there – I always think that’s the best way to go.”
The skipper spoke about how he also hoped to utilise overseas signing Doug Bollinger if the side can build a healthy first innings lead.
“I’m waiting for the time when we’ve got Dougie flying down the hill when we’re on top of a game as opposed to chasing”, he said. “It will be good to see.”
Key also praised the work of off-spinner Adam Riley, who took 4-77 on day one, with Surrey being bowled out for 285 early on day two
“I thought we bowled very well”, the 34-year-old skipper said.
“What today showed actually was how well Adam Riley bowled. We had him on really just to try and plug an end up to try and rest up the seamers and rotate them at the other end.
“For him to come away with four wickets – it could’ve been five as well – on a first day, at this time of year; today has shown really how vital his role was yesterday.”
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