GRAEME Hick admitted he 'felt good' while making a double century in Worcestershire's drawn match against the New Zealanders at New Road.

The record-breaking batsman hit 204 not out to register the 123rd hundred of his career in a run-a-ball innings which moved him alongside Denis Compton in 11th place in the all-time list of first-class century-makers.

Afterwards, he said: "I had thought the previous night about what was ahead and I just felt good.

"It was hard work, they bowled well, but I enjoyed it. I felt I had played pretty well and got what I deserved. I had a couple of partners out there for a while just to help me along.

"I'd been feeling okay and any batter likes to spend on good day at the crease at some stage early in the season. This was just my day."

It was his 93rd century for Worcestershire and his 42nd at New Road. It was also the 15th time he has got to 200.

New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said: "He batted exceptionally well. He'd threatened it with very good form so far this year. It's good from his point of view that he's managed a big score early on. It's always nice for the batsmen to get a big one in early on and he's done that and really set up his season.

"We all know he's got a huge appetite for runs and there are certainly things he personally wants to achieve. There are also things he wants to be part of with the team. We're fortunate we've got such a fine player at the top of his game."

The tourists needed nine wickets to win when they went into the last day with a lead of 109 but Hick turned the game round by scoring 64 per cent of the County's total of 318-6.

Skipper Ben Smith's declaration left the Black Caps to chase 210 in 23 overs, but after losing Michael Papps, trapped LBW to Mark Harrity, they closed at 77-1.