Alex Hales underlined his determination to maintain his place in the new look Nottinghamshire top-order with an assertive 95-run contribution to a first innings score of 393-8.

Hales opened alongside Samit Patel who was caught behind for ten and fired Notts to 154-1 before he was caught and bowled by Bandara.

Contributions from Mark Wagh (44), David Hussey (52) and Ali Brown (39) were useful but not exceptional on a flat pitch at Tunbridge Wells.

“Alex batted very well today and remained positive and aggressive throughout hitting the bad balls away for boundaries,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“We’ve posted a competitive score but no more than that and I feel that we’re three more wickets down than we would have liked and we’ve let an opportunity to bat them out of the game slip away.

“I’m a bit disappointed that no one has got a hundred on this pitch because it’s an excellent batting track and we wanted 450 to 500 runs from the word go.”

Newell anticipates that the spin bowling prowess of the two sides could be a difference-maker and has backed Graeme White to make a positive impact.

“This is a good opportunity for Graeme to show what he can do and to take his second eleven form into a championship match,” said Newell.

“He’s ready for it and he’ll be keen to bowl his overs and make an impression.”

Chris Read remains intact on 72 and will hope to inch towards 450 in the morning session when he resumes alongside Graeme White (6).