New Zealand suffered a nine wicket defeat against Kent on Sunday in the tourists' final match before the first Test of their three-game series against England.
Kent and England batsman Robert Key, not included by the selectors in the squad for the first Test, which is scheduled to start at Lord's on Thursday, made his second century of the match as the hosts easily chalked up the 189 runs they needed for victory.
Key finished with 117 not out to go alongside his first innings 114. Second time around Key faced 143 balls including one six and 18 fours.
Kent captain David Fulton made 67 before he fell with Kent in sight of victory, stumped by Brendon McCullum off opening batsman and part-time spinner Mark Richardson, the seventh bowler used.
Kent resumed Sunday on 24 without loss, needing a further 165 runs for victory with Fulton 14 not out and Key 10 not out.
None of the New Zealand front-line bowlers made any impression although often the most importing thing for visiting attacks in these matches is to establish some sort of rhythm ahead of the international contests.
Seamers Daryl Tuffey (none for 24 off 10 overs) and Chris Martin (none for 28 off 10) were both economical but fast bowler Shane Bond did not bowl at all in Kent's second innings.
Bond, who has been sidelined for a year with a stress fracture of the back, took one for 77 from 16 overs in Kent's first innings but New Zealand coach John Bracewell has yet to say if the bowler will be ready for Lord's.
{{/usCountry}}Bond, who has been sidelined for a year with a stress fracture of the back, took one for 77 from 16 overs in Kent's first innings but New Zealand coach John Bracewell has yet to say if the bowler will be ready for Lord's.
{{/usCountry}}