Carberry performs a Kevin Pietersen-like celebration of a century

Michael Carberry's second Championship century of the season put Hampshire in a strong position at 350-5.

The left-hander shared 133 for the first wicket with Michael Brown, Hampshire's highest opening stand since they moved to the Rose Bowl in 2001.

Brown made 73 before he heaved across the line, but Carberry hit 18 fours in 116 until lofting to deep mid-wicket.

John Crawley struck 11 fours in his 96 but he was caught low in the covers in the final over of the day.

The first four overs were lost to a brief outbreak of rain but Carberry soon justified Shane Warne's decision to bat first.

Kabir Ali briefly revived Worcestershire's fortunes with the wickets of Michael Lumb and Chris Benham in quick succession after the visitors took the new ball.

But Crawley dominated the bowling, until failing to get to the pitch of one from Matt Mason, who celebrated his first wicket of a season blighted by back trouble.