Coles on form again for Kent to stun Leicestershire

County Championship Division Two, Canterbury
Close, day one: Leicestershire 141 , Kent 104-2
Kent 3pts, Leics 0pts
Match scorecard

Matt Coles extended his season's tally to 27 wickets as Kent gained the upper hand over Leicestershire.

Coles (5-41) took the fourth five-wicket haul of his first-class career as the visitors were dismissed for 141.

Leicestershire were grateful for a 56-run seventh-wicket partnership between Wayne White (38) and Ned Eckersley (31 not out) to rescue them from 66-6.

Kent closed 37 runs behind on 104-2, Brendan Nash with a 20th first-class half-century, ending on 50 not out.

VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Kent's Peter Guise:

"A hugely enjoyable day for Kent supporters at Canterbury, as the county first bowled themselves into contention and then batted themselves into a commanding position.

"Too many Leicestershire batsmen succumbed to hanging the bat out to dry to wide balls outside the off stump. Charlie Shreck grabbed the early bowling plaudits with Leicestershire reduced to 66-6 by luncheon.

"Matt Coles weighed in to complete his five-wicket haul, although the young England Lion admitted to BBC Radio Kent at close of play that he hadn't bowled particularly well to start with but came good in the end.

"It's ironic, isn't it, that with a fair forecast for all four days, there is a possibility that this match might be over in three."