In 1959 a cricketer by the name of Denis Baldry hit 151 in his debut innings for Hampshire, having joined them from Middlesex. Today, that score was surpassed, and could even be increased tomorrow. John Crawley treated the good Canterbury crowd to an innings that was a masterclass in batting.

223 not out overnight, Hampshire's acquisition from Lancashire batted superbly against all that Kent could throw at him.

Starting the day on 136-2, the visiting side still had to get 292 more runs to avoid the follow on, and soon lost Robin Smith at 178. He left a ball from Khan alone that came in on him and he was palpably lbw.

Zimbabwean Neil Johnson then joined Crawley for a scintillating partnership of 232. Johnson hit 21 fours in his 226-ball innings before edging Fleming to slip. It was a superb innings in its own right with some powerful drives and cuts.

Nic Pothas, Hampshire's second debutant of the match then played his part in an unbeaten partnership of 80, but the day belonged to Crawley.

Crawley became the fourth Hampshire player to score a century on debut, following Cecil Abercrombie the Scottish rugby international in 1913, Denis Baldry in 1959 and Richard Hayward who scored his debut hundred against the Sri Lankans at Bournemouth on the same day as the famous wedding of Prince Charles and Diane.

John was naturally delighted with his performance today, "I could not have had a better start" he told this correspondent. "It was a good wicket, but we started the day still needing to score a hugh total, so it was tough. The whole day wasn't just about me; Neil batted superbly and was a great support. Having achieved our aim as well as this innings it has to be a very satisfying day". For Hampshire supporters and fans, Crawley has done a fair bit to become a local lad in just his first knock.

© Hampshire Cricket