Kent’s opening pre-season game with Hampshire ended in a draw when bad light came to the home sides’ rescue.

In what was the first match action of the season, both sides agreed on playing 50 overs per side at the Ageas Bowl to be played under Championship conditions with whites on and using a red ball.

Playing in two hour sessions just like it will be in the Championship, it was Kent that batted first posting a respectable 144 for 5 with both Daniel Bell-Drummond and Mike Powell looking in impressive form.

Fielding was less than hospitable for either side with bowlers and fielders alike donning hats and gloves to counter the less than spring like weather.

Hampshire were never really in the game and when the bad light descended on the ground at Southampton, Hampshire were 91 for 9 with Calum Haggett and Adam Riley having taken a couple of wickets each.

Haggett was the twelfth Kent player to have taken to the field with both captains agreeing extra bowlers could be used for the game.

The two sides return to the Ageas Bowl in Friday for the second game which will be a 40-over match in coloured clothing with a white ball, played to Yorkshire Bank 40 rules.

It will start at 11am and there will be a 30 minute break for lunch at approximately 1:30pm but no tea.

Kent 144 for 5

Hampshire 91 for 9

Result – Match Drawn

Kent Team: Key, Bell-Drummond, Nash, Powell, Stevens, Harmison, Jones, Coles, Davies, Thomas, Riley. (& Haggett)

Hampshire team: Carberry, Roberts, Dawson, Vince, Wheater, Bates, Rouse, Wood, Briggs, Tomlinson, Griffiths. (& Querl)