Kent v Worcestershire: Richardson leads the way at Canterbury

Alan Richardson roared back to his best as wickets fell regularly on the first day of Worcestershire's meeting with Kent at Canterbury.

Richardson took 5-41, his best of the season, backed by Gareth Andrew (3-34) and Jack Shantry (2-25), as Kent were bowled out inside 52 overs for 159.

It could have been worse for Kent, who had made just 94 when opener Sam Northeast was eighth out for 52.

But the hosts took three quick wickets before Worcestershire closed on 105-4.

Moeen Ali made 54, becoming Matthew Coles' first victim just before an early close due to bad light.

In the overcast and gloomy conditions that hung over Canterbury all day, Kent struggled under the floodlights for most of the morning.

Northeast's best Championship score of the season, bolstered by a late 40 down the order from number 10 Mark Davies, at least gave the home side something to bowl at.

And Davies then claimed two scalps as Worcestershire slumped to 34-3 before Moeen and Alexei Kervezee (29 not out) led a recovery.

VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Radio Kent's Peter Guise:

"An interesting day played under floodlights for the most part, the paying public getting fuller value than they might otherwise have done.

"They were treated to some fine cricket in truth.

"A first championship half century of the season for Kent's Sam Northeast, a real confidence booster for him."

Match scorecard