Darren Stevens hit an uneaten 181 to give Kent a first innings lead on a rain-affected third day at Tunbridge Wells.

Graeme White held a return catch from James Tredwell to give Notts their only wicket of the day as the home side moved from their overnight score of 274-5 to close on 478-6.

Tredwell’s 115 contributed to a sixth wicket partnership of 270 with Stevens before play was abandoned for the day shortly after 5pm.

“Stevens played very well and he didn’t give us any chances,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“It’s a good wicket and there’s very little chance of us winning from here so we have to make sure that we get the draw points.”

A draw now seems a virtual certainty with Stevens looking good for a double hundred to complement the three centuries he’s already hit in the LV= County Championship this season.

Stevens’ knock has seen him pass the 700-run mark for the season.

Graeme White held a return catch from James Tredwell to give Notts their only wicket of the day