WORCESTERSHIRE batsman Graeme Hick became only the 16th player in cricketing history to complete 40,000 first-class runs.

The 41-year-old reached the milestone after reaching 49 in the LV County Championship Division One match with local rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Zimbabwe-born Hick, who played 65 Tests for England, became the first player to achieve the feat since England and Essex opener Graham Gooch in August 1994.

A cut for four off Bears paceman Dale Steyn took Hick to 40,000 runs and he raised his hands aloft in triumph in acknowledging a standing ovation from all parts of the ground.

The Warwickshire players were also generous in their applause and skipper Darren Maddy shook Hick's hand.

Hick went to the landmark in his 841st innings with only Len Hutton (811), Wally Hammond (826), Herbert Sutcliffe (832) and Geoff Boycott (838) managing it in fewer knocks.

He made his first-class debut in October 1983 for Zimbabwe in a tour match against a Young West Indians side containing Courtney Walsh.

Hick, who has scored 134 first-class centuries, also passed 30,000 first-class runs for Worcestershire when he reached 12 in today's game.

Worcestershire skipper Vikram Solanki was quick to praise the achievements of Hick.

He said: "I can't speak highly enough of Graeme. To score 40,000 runs is difficult for me to comprehend.

"I remember coming into the dressing room as a young kid and being overawed by the fact Graeme Hick was in the dressing room.

"What he has achieved in the game, I couldn't possibly pay a fitting enough tribute to than say 'look at his numbers'. They are as good as they can possibly get.

"The great thing is Hicky's enthusiasm for the game is still there.

"For someone who has achieved as much as he has in the game, to still have the drive, work ethic and hunger is great. It takes a particular type of character and personality to be able to do it.

"As a player, he is the ultimate professional. He is still in fine shape. He has always looked after himself, he is still fit, still works hard, probably harder than anyone else now. He is an amazing guy."

Hick, who made his Worcestershire debut in 1984, has already stated a desire to continue playing for another season Solanki said: "If Graeme keeps scoring the runs, that's exactly what we would love. That's exactly what I would like. I can assure you of that.

"I wouldn't comment on how long Graeme will want to go on but, as far as what he has done this season, he has been brilliant. He has been the one guy with the bat who has stuck out head and shoulders above the rest of us."

The other 15 players to top 40,000 runs are; J Hobbs, 61,237; F. Woolley, 58,969; E Hendren, 57,611; C. Mead, 55,061; W.G. Grace, 54,896; W. Hammond, 50,551; H Sutcliffe, 50,138; G. Boycott, 48,426; T. Graveney, 47,793; G. Gooch, 44,846; T. Hayward, 43,551; D. Amiss, 43,423; M. Cowdrey, 42,719; A. Sandham, 41,284; L. Hutton, 40,140.