Kent duck into trouble

Rahul Dravid kept his international rival Shane Warne at bay to keep Kent from serious trouble against Hampshire at Portsmouth. The Indian scored 137 over almost six hours to attain his first championship century for Kent.

His mastery of Warne, who bowled 37 overs, lifted Kent to 252 in reply to Hampshire's 320. Warne bowled well enough against the other batsmen to take 4-81 but could not dislodge Dravid who struck 16 fours in his 295 balls at the crease.

Four of Kent's batsmen were dismissed without scoring and last man in Ben Trott was 0 not out when the innings ended. Fortunately David Fulton, Paul Nixon and Matthew Fleming all stayed long enough to share half-century partnerships with Dravid as their opponents bowled tightly in what is the last championship match scheduled to be played at the United Services Ground.

Dravid played on eventually to a ball from leg-spinner Giles White which surprised him by bits bounce. By the close Hampshire had added a further 16 runs to their 68 runs lead but had Derek Kenway caught at slip off Trott. White and Will Kendall had to endure some anxious moments.