Trevor Ward proved the thorn in his former county Kent's side as he struck his fourth CricInfo Championship century of the season to put Leicestershire in a commanding position at the end of the third day at Grace Road.

The home side finished on 305 for six, giving them a lead of 340 on a still batsmen-friendly pitch. Darren Maddy is still there on 98 not out while the most exciting knock of the day came from Shahid Afridi.

The 21-year-old Pakistan star who has already become a cult hero at Grace Road with his phenomenal hitting, did it again with a 22-ball blitz which brought him 42 runs.

He smashed five fours and three huge sixes in stand of 53 with Maddy before holing out to Andrew Symonds off debutant spinner James Tredwell.

His brief stay in the middle certainly accelerated the Leicestershire innings and opened the way for a definite result to the game. On this pitch Kent won't feel they are out of it yet if they can take some early wickets.

But it was Ward who was at the heart of Leicestershire's effort as he continued the excellent form he has shown this season. He made 110 off 192 balls with 17 fours and a six, and clearly enjoyed doing it against the county with whom he had spent 13 years before joining Leicestershire last season. To add to his delight he was awarded his County Cap in the tea interval.

Ward and Maddy shared a stand of 129 for the fourth wicket after Leicestershire had slipped to 54 for three having gained a first innings lead of 35.

Ward finally fell to a catch at long on as he mistimed a hook against Martin Saggers. But Maddy went on to make his best score of the season and will now hope to complete his first century of the summer on the final day.

Matthew Walker finished with an unbeaten 120 in Kent's first innings of 390.

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