JOHN CRAWLEY rewrote the record books at Canterbury yesterday - and then immediately set his sights on another landmark.

The 30-year-old hit the highest score for a Hampshire debutant, having been 56 overnight and finishing on 223 not out at stumps.

Now Crawley is 93 runs short of equalling the highest all-time score by a Hampshire player - Dick Moore, who died earlier this year, made 316 at Bournemouth in 1937.

Crawley had never scored a ton against Kent before yesterday and he said: "I was quite nervous going out to bat.

"It was quite a hectic winter and it was a case of trying to relax as best a possible. It's always nice in any season to get the first ton under your belt - this was doubly nice as it's for a new county.

"I was looking forward to the game and getting back playing again. It was nice to repay the faith Hampshire have had in me over the winter."

Crawley offered one chance when he was on 198, but Kent centurion Rob Key shelled him at mid-wicket off the offspin of Andrew Symonds.

Crawley's 232-run partnership with Neil Johnson was 31 short of a county record for the fourth wicket.

"Neil batted very well and took a lot of pressure off me after lunch when I struggled for an hour-and-a-half," added Crawley.

Johnson's 117 was his highest for Hampshire. He said: "I was catching John up but he's a special player. He raced away again before I got out.

"It's an outstanding batting wicket and the outfield is very quick. It does a little bit evry now but you just have to touch the ball for it to go all the way.

"The pitch is so benign and I think it will be a dull draw now."