KENT openers Rob Key and David Fulton were dubbed the new Rahul and VVS by no other than Hampshire and Australia spin wizard Shane Warne.

The last time the legendary leg-spinner bowled all day without taking a wicket was in 2001 when India came from behind to beat Australia courtesy of a stunning fifth-wicket stand between V V S Laxman and Rahul Dravid – until Key and Fulton emulated their feat.

The pair batted for 103 overs to thwart Warne’s championship-chasing side, secure a draw and set a new Kent record opening stand against Hampshire.

Fulton said: "It’s the first time Bob and I have batted all day together. I played and missed at a couple through the day and squirted one over slip off the back of the bat against Warney, but otherwise I didn’t put a foot wrong.

"It was a battle of wills and at this stage of my career it’s nice to face the best."

As for Key, he welcomed his return to form and said how much he enjoyed passing such a stern examination by Warne.

He said: "It was great fun playing against Shane because he’s one of the top competitors in the game.

"The longer he bowled he got better and better, we were hoping he might get tired but he just kept coming at us.

"John Crawley said to us afterwards he felt that was the best he’d bowled for them, so it was pleasing to come through it."