SIMON CUSDEN made an important breakthrough by taking the first wicket on the opening morning of Kent's final Frizzell Championship match against Middlesex in Canterbury.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. Kent went into the match without both overseason players as well as fast bowlers Martin Saggers and Amjad Khan, who pulled out with knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Rob Joseph and Ben Trott duly shared the new ball, supported by rookies David Stiff and Cusden.

Cusden struck in the 16th over of the day having Sven Koenig (39) caught behind after edging a flashing, back-foot force.

At the other end Stiff suffered a young bowler’s nightmare, sending down seven no balls and a wide in his opening six overs.