At the end of an often-interrupted second day Nottinghamshire reached the close on 208 for four in their Specsavers County Championship match against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.

The rain took a huge chunk out of the play – and the stop-start scenario made for a difficult time at the crease.

Peter Moores, nevertheless, praised his batsmen – particularly Chris Nash, who top-scored with 67.

“I thought we played really well today,” said Moores. “I thought Chris Nash played beautifully. It was a tough day to bat. Very still, humid and overcast all day, showers on and off and it swung around all day.

“The partnership between Chris and Samit Patel is exactly what we have been looking for; people being patient and making the bowlers work very hard to get their wicket.

It’s exactly what we’ve talked about and great to see them do it.”

Nash was at the crease for almost four hours and was rewarded with his fifth championship 50 of a productive personal campaign. His departure, just before stumps was slightly controversial, as Moores reflected.

“It was a real shame for Chris to get out at the end like that. It was a funny one, in that a towel flew out of the bowler’s pocket, so he’ll be disappointed by that but can take a lot of credit in how he played.”

As he was releasing the ball, a white towel slipped from the pocket of bowler Harry Podmore.

“We were asking the question there, at the end, on what happens in incidents like that,” said Moores. “Does it become a dead ball or not, as it was certainly a distraction.

“We’ll ask the umpires about it at the end but it’s unfortunate for Chris.”

Notts are only 99 behind at the halfway stage of the match, with Samit Patel well set on 42 not out. Moores hopes his side can show the same discipline and manufacture a first innings lead.

“We’ve done well today but we have to come back tomorrow and play well again. There is a forecast of overnight rain and Kent have just taken the second new ball so there’s lots of work to be done yet but we’ve got batters left and we’ll have to keep playing in the same way to build a lead.”

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A Notts Outlaws squad brimming with international talent will commence their T20 Vitality Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge on Thursday 18 July, with adult tickets priced at £10. Secure your seats…