Middlesex attack toils against Hampshire

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Close, day one: Hampshire 295-5 v Middlesex

James Harris took two more wickets but Middlesex had to work hard to make inroads on the opening day at Southampton.

After being put in by stand-in skipper James Franklin, Hampshire opener Jimmy Adams defied the bowler-friendly conditions early on to make 61.

Michael Carberry (67) and Will Smith (52 not out) also recorded patient half-centuries to frustrate the visitors.

Steven Finn struck late on with the new ball as Hampshire closed on 295-5.

The home side were rewarded for riding out a testing morning session as they reached 97-1 at lunch.

Neil Dexter provided the sole breakthrough, ending an opening stand of 85, but Adams and Carberry added a further 75.

In the afternoon, Harris bowled Adams and James Vince was caught at mid-on off Ollie Rayner to leave Hampshire 211-3 at tea.

Carberry was looking well set but Harris had him edge to Franklin at slip for his 31st wicket of the season.

Finn got the wicket he deserved when trapping Adam Wheater lbw but Smith remains at the crease and will look to push Hampshire’s score well beyond 300.

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