LONDON, England (CMC) — Discarded West Indies left-hander Brendan Nash continued his bright start to the new County season with an even 50 for Kent on the opening day of their contest against Leicestershire here yesterday.

Playing at Grace Road, the Jamaican was among three players with half-centuries as Kent amassed 406 after they were sent in by Leicestershire captain Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Geraint Jones top-scored with 67, and Matt Coles got 59, capitalising on a Leicestershire attack that struggled in windy conditions in the East Midlands

Nash faced 62 balls and struck six fours in nearly two hours at the crease, adding 44 for the second wicket with opener Robert Key (41), and 59 for the third wicket with Mike Powell (25).

He was fourth out, lbw to fast bowler Ollie Freckingham, who finished with two for 82. Off-spinner Jigar Naik was the best bowler with four for 97.

At Lord’s, veteran West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul had his second straight failure for Derbyshire, also on the opening day of their match against Middlesex.

The left-hander scored 18 to follow up his 15 in last week’s season opener, as Derbyshire struggled to 205 for nine after being sent in.

Opener Billy Godleman (55) and Wes Durston (48) posted 83 for the second wicket to push Derbyshire up to 86 for one, before Chanderpaul put on 32 with Godleman for the third wicket.

Once Chanderpaul fell, Derbyshire lost their last eight wicket for 63 runs.