Hampshire's weakened bowling attack, and title aspirations, took a battering from Surrey's batsmen as the visitors ran up 556 in their first innings.

Without Shane Warne and England pair Dimitri Mascarenhas and Chris Tremlett, the hosts suffered as Mark Ramprakash made 188 and Mark Butcher 100.

Ramprakash looked set for a double ton until he was bowled by Daren Powell.

In reply, Hampshire stumbled to 47-2 as Michael Carberry and Michael Brown both went lbw before bad light ended play.

Hampshire suffered further as Surrey's tail wagged, Matt Nicholson on 34 not out when the innings finished at 556 in the 161st over.

James Bruce deserved better than his 2-86 while Sean Ervine also took two wickets as he continued his return from injury.