Essex v Kent: Foster and Napier rescue hosts

A stand of 88 from Graham Napier and captain James Foster rescued Essex on day one against Kent.

Following an opening stand of 67 from Tom Westley and Jaik Mickleburgh, the hosts lost five wickets for 10 runs.

But Foster (47) and Napier (58) then staged a fightback as Essex ended with a first-innings total of 212.

Paceman Darren Stevens claimed 4-36 while Charlie Shreck and Mark Davies took three wickets apiece, before Kent closed on 20-1 in reply.

VIEWS FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BBC Essex's Glenn Speller:

"It was a day which ebbed and flowed but probably ended about even.

"Kent failed to make the most of winning the toss as they took just one wicket before lunch.

"But five then fell for 40 runs after the interval and it was left to Graham Napier to once again rescue Essex with the help of his captain James Foster.

"Ravi Bopara failed to follow up his excellent form at Glamorgan and was out tamely for a duck.

"Essex will be disappointed they didn't make more of a good start, while Kent will wish they'd taken more advantage of the overcast conditions.

"Crucially, David Masters removed Rob Key before the close, although the former England batsman didn't look too impressed."

BBC Radio Kent's Peter Guise:

"An entertaining day's cricket with the sunshine finally making an appearance just before the close.

"By then, Kent had had the best of the day's play reducing Essex to 212 all out thanks to an accurate post-lunch spell from Davies, Shreck and Stevens. The latter posting his best bowling performance of the so called summer to date.

"Kent's response was not without its own scares. Foster caught Key superbly standing up to David Masters but Sam Northeast and Brendan Nash steered them safely through to the close."

Match scorecard