Australia leg spinner Shane Warne [Images] smashed the first century of his career on Wednesday.

The Hampshire captain went in at number nine and belted the fastest first-class hundred of the English season on the opening day of the County championship first division match against Kent at Canterbury.

Warne took only 72 balls to reach three figures. He eventually finished unbeaten on 107, having struck 16 fours and three sixes.

The 35-year-old lifted Hampshire from 130 for seven to 328 all out. Kent were 135 for three in reply at the close.

Warne, the highest wicket taker in Tests with 583 victims, achieved his previous best score of 99 in a Test against New Zealand [Images] in 2001.

"I've had five or six opportunities in Test cricket and a couple in first-class," he told BBC radio. "I'm disappointed I didn't get there in Test matches but at least I can say I got a first-class hundred.

"I've under-achieved with the bat my whole career but I'd like to think I might be able to get another one or two before my career finishes."