Saturday, September 8, 2001 LONDON (Reuters)
Former England batsman Graeme Hick has drawn level with Australian legend Donald Bradman by scoring the 117th first-class century of his career.

Hick, Worcestershire's captain, made an unbeaten 200 on day three of his side's second-division County Championship match against Durham, to move alongside Bradman in joint-13th place on the all-time standings. Hick's 117th ton came in his 678th innings, compared with Bradman's astonishing conversion rate of 117 centuries from 338.

Englishman Jack Hobbs tops the overall standings with 197 first-class hundreds, with compatriots Patsy Hendren (170) and Wally Hammond (167) second and third.

Hick's innings equalled the previous highest score made at Durham's Riverside ground by South Africa's Daryll Cullinan six years ago. It also made him the only player to make a century against all 18 English county sides, both home and away.

Hick's sixth century of the season, and the 11th double-hundred of his career, was achieved after a nervy start to the third day. He was dropped on 88 when deep mid-off Jimmy Daley put down a mishit drive, and he then lost batting partners Steve Rhodes and Chris Liptrot to run-outs when on 99. Hick reached three figures after an edged drive but then eased into fluent form with the fourth 50 of his innings coming from just 23 balls.

The 200 was posted in grand manner as Hick hoisted the slow left-arm of Graeme Bridge for a straight six, having already hit 26 fours. He immediately declared the innings closed at 356 for nine, with Worcestershire 13 runs behind on first innings.

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