Crciket: Kent rely on Hooper's quick-fire ton

CARL HOOPER hit the joint fastest hundred of the season to keep Kent in contention against Worcestershire at Canterbury.

Hooper's 154 was the cornerstone of Kent's 323 for 7 in reply to Worcestershire's 360 all out that featured a double-figure score from every batsman apart from the last man Bobby Chapman, who was undefeated on nought.

It took Hooper only 72 balls to reach his hundred, equalling the mark set by Surrey's England one-day dasher Ally Brown back in April, and Matthew Fleming (42) and captain Steve Marsh (46no) then added more handy runs.

Brian Lara demonstrated again his liking for Northamptonshire's bowlers with a sparkling 158 as Warwickshire built up a useful first innings lead of 93 at Wantage Road.