Worcester (England), May 11: Former England batsman Graeme Hick's unbeaten 204 made sure New Zealand never had a chance of winning what turned out to be a drawn tour match against Worcestershire here. At stumps, on the fourth and final day yesterday, the tourists were 77 for one at new road after the 123rd century of Hick's career had light up the day's play.
New Zealand's Scott Styris was 44 not out and Mark Richardson unbeaten on 20 at the close.
Hick's latest three figure score saw draw him level with England great Denis Compton at equal 11th place in the all-time list of century makers.
Topping the all-time list with 197 hundreds is Surrey and England legend Sir Jack Hobbs.
But Hick's latest big score is unlikely to lead an England recall.
Born in what was Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, Hick, 38 after this month, has never reproduced his remorseless run-scoring at first-class level in the international arena, a Test average of 31.32 in stark contrast to a first-class mark of over 53.
He played the last of his 65 Tests three years ago and was dropped after several previous recalls following a sequence of just 27 runs in four innings against Sri Lanka.
Bureau Report