Australian Chris Tremain picked up a five wicket haul on his Northamptonshire debut on Day 2 of the clash at Canterbury.
In stark contrast to Day 1, the players were met with clear skies and sunshine but it did little to change the fortunes of Northamptonshire’s batsmen.
James Sales was trapped LBW with the second ball of the morning and despite a promising partnership between Berg and Tremain, Northamptonshire ultimately posted just 117.
Kent were watchful in reply, safely navigating most of the morning session before Berg found the breakthrough with the edge of Compton’s bat.
Zak Crawley will consider himself lucky to survive a confident shout for LBW early in his innings, but the England opener cashed in on the chance before becoming one of Tremain’s five scalps on 91.
It was the Australian and Jack White that did the bulk of the work for Northamptonshire, claiming 5 for 44 and 4 for 57 respectively in conditions far better suited for batting than the day before.
Wicketkeeper Lewis McManus picked up five catches throughout the afternoon as Northamptonshire continued to break partnerships as they threatened. Bell-Drummond fluffed his attempted pull with Denly stuck in front two balls later. Leaning fell LBW to White and Cox lasted just three balls when he was caught low down the legside.
Northamptonshire were convinced Billings had edged behind as he looked to accelerate with wickets falling around him, but both batsman and umpire were unmoved. Stewart did see the finger go up however, the innings wrapped up shortly after with Billings and Quinn departing in consecutive overs. Kent all out for 222 with a lead of 105.
Vasconcelos departed early in the reply when he chipped a full delivery to midwicket. Azad and Whiteman looked composed at the crease and heading towards the close when the Australian fended at one and offered a simple catch to Billings behind the stumps.
Procter joined the debutant and the pair added 17 before the light faded, Northamptonshire 58 behind at the close.