AFP, CANTERBURY (UK): Australia, after losing the toss, closed their first innings on 507 for eight declared on the second day of four in the opening match of their Ashes tour against Kent at Canterbury on Friday.
Shaun Marsh top-scored with 114 made on Thursday while Steven Smith, a former Kent 2nd XI cricketer, retired out on 111 yesterday.
Meanwhile 21-year-old paceman Matt Hunn, the only Kent bowler to enjoy success against the tourists, completed a distinguished maiden five-wicket haul in just his fourth first-class match on his way to figures of five for 99 in 27 overs.
Roll on to 2015 and Smith is now ranked as the world's leading Test batsman, with an average of over 56.
Australia, who had been sent into bat, resumed on 348 for three after openers Mitchell Marsh (114) and Chris Rogers (84), vying for a place alongside the rested David Warner come the first Test.