HAMPSHIRE captain Shane Warne has blasted Kent for a second season running and called captain Rob Key "negative" after the rain-affected championship draw at The Rose Bowl.

The comments come after the rain-affected championship draw at the Rose Bowl.

Key's predecessor, David Fulton, agreed an abortive run-a-ball chase deal against Nottinghamshire last September - a decision that ultimately ended both Kent and Hampshire’s championship interest.

And now the Australian leg-spinner has criticised Key for refusing to accept his offer to pursue 240 in 65 overs – an asking rate of 3.7 per over.

Warne said: "We gave ourselves every possible chance to try and win the game and there was a bit of haggling.

"I suggested 250 off 65 overs and then went down to 240 off 65. If I was offered that I would take it. It was their call, but maybe that’s why they’ve only won one game from five.

"We were the only side that wanted to win. They came here with a mentality and a body language that was very negative."

In defending Kent’s tactics in the game, Key said: "We weren’t being negative at all, simply realistic. I think it’s a shame that Shane continually uses the press to have a moan about people."

* Read the full story in this week's KM paid-for titles.