John Crawley has been awarded a benefit by Hampshire Cricket in 2008.

The former England batsman made a stunning debut for the county after joining them in 2002 from Lancashire when he scored 272 on his debut against Kent.

He followed that marvellous start for Hampshire with a career-best 311 not out against Notts three seasons later.

Crawley, 35, has scored almost 24,000 first-class runs, including 52 centuries, for Cambridge University, Lancashire, Hampshire and England.

He hit an unbeaten 156 in a Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval in 1998.

Last season he scored 1,737 Championship runs, with six hundreds and seven half-centuries.

Having captained Cambridge University, Crawley was skipper for three of his 12 years with Lancashire before moving to Hampshire where he led the team in 2003, his second season.

The man who played for England in 37 Tests and 13 one-day internationals is still a sharp and mobile fielder, besides having proved himself to be a more than capable stand-in wicketkeeper.

Crawley said: "It's a great privilege and honour to be awarded my benefit year by the members and supporters at Hampshire Cricket.

"I'd like to thank them for the opportunity and their support over my career at Hampshire.

"I'd also like to thank Rod Bransgrove and all his staff at The Rose Bowl for all their help and support over the years."

Hampshire manager Paul Terry added: "I'm delighted that John has been awarded a benefit year for 2008.

"It's a fitting tribute to a player that was originally capped by Lancashire in 1994 and since his move to Hampshire has continued to entertain cricket supporters around the country with his fantastic style and grace of play".

Tim Tremlett, Director of Cricket at the Rose Bowl, said: "I am delighted that John Crawley has been awarded a thoroughly deserved Benefit by Hampshire Cricket.

"John is a wonderful player who continues to entertain with his classical stroke play. Since making his first class debut in 1990, John has given outstanding service to the game of cricket and I hope that Hampshire's members and supporters will recognise John's dedication in the appropriate manner".

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove paid his own tribute to Crawley.

Bransgrove said: "Since he joined us, John Crawley has been the committed professional.

"He consistently sets himself the highest standards of performance in all cricket and does so without ever threatening his personal integrity.

"He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and I am sure that the Hampshire public will want to show their appreciation for his commitment and dedication both to the team and the club generally".