KENT polished off the Lancashire first innings in the space of 14 overs this morning to secure an impressive first innings lead of 308.

In overcast conditions on this, the third day of four at The Nevill in Tunbridge Wells, Kent’s seamers cut through the red rose tail-end to dismiss the visitors for 307 and duly enforce the follow-on.

The day started with a wicket in the second over for Mohammad Sami, but it was Andrew Symonds who took most of the credit for the dismissal.

Warren Hegg had top-edged a paddled hook shot off a Sami bouncer and skied the ball leg-side where Symonds turned, ran 20 yards toward backward square leg and – with the ball dropping over his head – dived full-length to claim a stunning catch.

Sami struck again in his next over to have Kyle Hogg (4) caught at second slip by Matt Walker, as the tall Hogg jabbed down late on a defensive push.

At the Pavilion End, Alamgir Sheriyar kept the momentum going when he trapped Steve Crook (37) leg before with an in-ducker as the ball struck the front pad before the leading edge of the bat.

Former England all-rounder, Dominic Cork, surprisingly batting at 10, hit out lustily at the death to take a pulled six and a four off David Stiff to finish unbeaten with 35 and bring up the 300 and a fourth batting bonus point.

Stiff had the final say, however, having last man Gary Keedy caught by Walker at second slip as the left-hander fended off a long-hop.

Extras finished as top scorer for the visitors with 51, 38 of which were no balls, leaving Lancashire 159 short of making Kent bat again.