GRAEME Hick has spelt out his desire to continue playing county cricket after the Worcestershire batsman became only the 16th player to complete 40,000 first-class runs.

Hick reached the milestone when on 49 in the LV County Championship Division One with local rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

It came in his 841st innings - 24 years after his first for Zimbabwe against Young West Indies in Harare - at an average of 52.56 runs per knock.

Hick raised his arms in triumph and received an ovation from all parts of the ground although he failed to add to his score before being dismissed by Warwickshire paceman Dale Steyn.

The 41-year-old was given a new contract for 2007 after his performances in earning the Pears double promotion last season and is aiming to show he is capable of carrying on playing for another 12 months.

He said: "I know I am enjoying it. The fitness and health side comes in. It is certainly on my mind as to whether I would like to carry on or not.

"I just wanted to make sure I had a good enough season to try and make that decision myself and be able to go to the club and say I am really enjoying it, I am playing well, I would like to carry on'.

"It does come down to what the club want but if I am fit enough, I will consider it."

Graham Gooch was the last player to reach 40,000 first-class runs - in 1994 - and he continued playing until he was 43.