Rampaging Hussey thumps 275

David Hussey launched a vicious assault on Essex on Thursday, hammering a career-best 275 in 227 balls. Hussey was the last of a trio of Victoria batsmen to flay county bowlers this week, after Cameron White's double-century - he finished with 241 - and Brad Hodge's limited-overs 141.

Hussey, who is the captain of Nottinghamshire, lifted his side to 7 for 664 and easily passed his previous highest score of 232 not out. He smashed 14 sixes and 27 fours against an attack that was missing several regular seamers but still featured two Test bowlers, South Africa's Andre Nel and Paksitan's Danish Kaneria. His tally of sixes left him two shy of Andrew Symonds's world-record 16 in a county innings in 1995.

His main support came from Chris Read, the England wicketkeeper who has been constantly overlooked for Geraint Jones, Paul Nixon and Matt Prior in the last 12 months. Read remained unbeaten on 165 from 201 deliveries and together with Hussey added 359 for the fifth wicket.

Hussey said once his top order had seen off Nel's most dangerous period in the morning, he was able to take advantage of the situation. "I wasn't aware of the Symonds world record, although I was trying to hit as many sixes as possible," he told the Press Association. "Perhaps that's something to aim for next time.

"I'm over the moon to have beaten my career-best, really pumped. At the time it wasn't something I was looking for. Chris Read also batted brilliantly and showed that not only is he a world-class wicketkeeper but also a top batsman. The aim now is to get Chris to his double-hundred before we declare and try and get the ten wickets we need for another win."

Nottinghamshire already have a significant lead on the County Championship Division Two table. They will be keen to regain promotion to Division One after being relegated at the end of last season.