We’re better after run-out

Kent paceman Harry Podmore believes bowling on a docile wicket at Northamptonshire in their County Championship opener will stand them in good stead going forward.

Only 21 wickets fell across four chilly days in Northampton last week, with snow eventually bringing the game to a premature end after tea on the final day.

It was a tough start to the campaign for both sides but, with better weather ahead, Kent will be looking forward to hosting Yorkshire - and England captain Joe Root - behind closed doors at Canterbury from Thursday. “Everyone has got some overs under their belts and I feel that will stand us in good stead,” said Podmore.

“If you can bowl on that you can bowl on pretty much most wickets and I think the bowlers have definitely had a good enough sighter for the first game to hit the ground running next week (against Yorkshire).”

Podmore finished with figures of 4-77 but the game was notable for an unbeaten century by 44-year-old Darren Stevens in Kent’s first innings. Stevens ended 116 not out after sharing partnerships of 74 with Podmore and 63 with debutant Miguel Cummins for the last two wickets, shepherding Kent to a firstinnings total of 455.

Podmore added: “It was a good batting track, a wicket we certainly didn’t expect to have so early on but it was a good test for our bowlers.

“My first three overs weren’t great but I dragged it back well. I think Grant (Stewart) bowled really well, with very little reward. I know he picked up two but I feel like he definitely deserved more and the same goes for Milnesy, but I’m sure those will come.”

■ Kent will play their final County Championship home game against Sussex on July 11-14 at Canterbury instead of Beckenham after the concerts of Michael Bublé and Bryan Adams were pushed back to 2022.