COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE, The Rose Bowl:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Hampshire 286-4 (Hants 2pts, Somerset 1pt)
27-30 August 2009

James Adams had only made his 1,000 runs in a season once before - in 2006

Hampshire opener James Adams batted all day in a bid to put his relegation-haunted side in a good position against title-chasing Somerset.

Adams passed 1,000 first-class runs for the season in scoring his third County Championship hundred of the summer.

He hit 113 not out as Hampshire ran up 286-4, sharing two century partnerships with stand-in opener Liam Dawson (55) and Michael Lumb (68).

West Indian Test spinner Omari Banks was Somerset's best bowler with 3-79.

With both sides picking three spinners, on a pitch tipped to turn from the very first day and becoming increasingly treacherous to bat on, a big first innings score was a must for the home side.

After winning the toss Adams, in partnership with the newly promoted Dawson (replacing the injured Michael Carberry), got the innings off to a flier.

Adams looked at his fluent best immediately, cutting and driving powerfully through the off-side.

Dawson, given his first chance to open the batting at county championship level after numerous outings for the second XI, started nervously but was also quickly into his stride.

Somerset captain Justin Langer, eager to stem the early flow of runs, turned to one of his spin trio, Banks, as early as the 13th over. But, despite the odd scare, both batsman remained unmoved at lunch with the score on 91.

With his mind perhaps still on his lunch, Adams offered the day's first real chance immediately after the restart, edging a cut to Langer at slip. But, much like his fellow Australians at The Oval last week, the chance of a breakthrough was missed.

Both openers moved serenely passed 50 before Hampshire's first wicket fell in the 40th over, Dawson perishing for 55 after shouldering arms to a Banks delivery which turned sharply.

Lumb's arrival at the crease tempted Langer into using spin from both ends with Arul Suppiah brought into the attack.

But Lumb too was quickly into his stride, helping Hampshire to take tea at 203-1.

Normal service was resumed after the tea break, as Adams moved to a deserved ton, before a brief flurry of wickets threatened to derail the innings.

Lumb, James Vince and Sean Ervine all departed for the addition of just 14, Banks grabbing two more deserved scalps. But, from 249-4, Somerset hopes of a full collapse were scuppered as a dogged 37-run partnership between Adams and wicketkeeper Nic Pothas helped see Hampshire through to the close.

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