Cricket: Warne speeds to his first ton

Shane Warne

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne hit his maiden first-class century for Hampshire against Kent in their English county clash at Canterbury yesterday.

Warne took Hampshire from 130 for seven to 328 all out, finishing undefeated on 107.

His knock was the fastest first-class hundred of the season so far, coming from only 72 balls and has the test wickets world recordholder in pole position to win the Walter Lawrence Trophy for the season's fastest first-class ton.

"Now I've got the first one out of the way, I am hoping there will be a few more around the corner," Warne said.

"It was an ambition. I've got 5000 first-class runs, but wondered if this would happen.

"I was getting very nervous out there. I don't normally jump up and down in the innings."

His previous highest first-class score was 99 against New Zealand at Perth in November 1999.

Warne was well supported by 20-year-old Tom Burrows (31), making his first-class debut in replacing injured wicketkeeper Nic Pothas.

The two added 131 in 19 overs for the eighth wicket before Burrows' off-stump was sent cartwheeling.

Warne was on 93 when the ninth wicket fell on 307 in the 70th over, but the same over brought him his century.

After turning the ball to leg for two, he followed with a boundary to third man and brought up three figures with the next ball.

The Hampshire innings raced along at almost four-and-a-half runs an over.

The innings

* 100 from 72 balls in 100 minutes

* 15 fours and 3 sixes

* 107 from 81 balls in 112 minutes

* Previous highest score 99

- NZPA