Former Yorkshire transfer target Martin van Jaarsveld proved to be a thorn in the Tykes’ side on day three at Canterbury.

At tea, with four sessions left in the match, the South African’s knock of 78 helped give his side a second-innings lead of 252.

Until Bradford-born Adil Rashid trapped him lbw just two overs before tea, van Jaarsveld had smashed nine boundaries in an important knock, given Yorkshire’s initial fightback in the afternoon session.

Within the first 16 balls, David Wainwright had Geraint Jones lbw for 53, before Tim Bresnan removed Sam Northeast in the same manner to leave the hosts on 98 for three.

Wainwright then got rid of Darren Stevens, who made 92 in the first-innings, thanks to a terrific low catch by Rashid and at 116 for five Kent were struggling.

Then van Jaarsveld came into his own and, along with James Hockley, the hosts hit back well.

At the interval they were 218 for six, with Hockley unbeaten on 41 and James Tredwell on ten.