Champions Surrey got off the mark at the third time of asking, crushing Kent by an innings and 37 runs.

Chasing their third title in a row, they had been frustrated by rain at Old Trafford and Somerset’s resistance in the opening two matches of the Vitality County Championship campaign.

And the poor weather appeared to be following them when the opening day at Canterbury was restricted to 39 overs, from which the hosts gleaned 111 for three.

Surrey made up for lost time on the second, Kent skipper Dan Bell-Drummond’s 70 the main obstacle to them being bowled out for 244 as Tom Lawes and Cameron Steel claimed three wickets apiece.

Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley put on 147 for the first wicket. Burns’ 69 was another sign of the opener rediscovering his touch, while Sibley (150) hit his second century in as many games.

Newcomer Dan Lawrence took advantage of Ollie Pope’s absence by hammering 112 – his maiden century for Surrey – while speedy contributions from the rest meant the visitors ran up a formidable 543 for seven declared. Leg-spinner Matt Parkinson’s reward for a bowling 36 overs was five for 177.

That left four sessions for the visitors to complete the job, and paceman Dan Worrall removed England opener Zak Crawley cheaply for the second time in the match on his way to four for 31.

Kent were staggering at 120 for five overnight and although resistance was mounted by Joey Evison (53) and Parkinson (33), they finally subsided to 262 all out, aided by two fine catches close in by Jamie Smith.

Leg-spinner Steel’s three for 38 took him to 20 wickets at 12 so far this season, making him the leading wicket-taker in the country.

Maximum points took Surrey to within eight points of leaders Essex. Captain Burns said: “It’s a max win and one we’re pretty pleased with on a flat surface.

“People put their hands up at various opportunities at different points of the match.”

Surrey are straight back into action on Friday when they host Hampshire at the Kia Oval.

By Richard Spiller