Hampshire toil in the sun as Wells strikes form

Having suffered at the hands of the Kent batsmen at Canterbury last week, Hampshire toiled on another good wicket as visitors Leicestershire took advantage of the fine weather.

Crawley receives cap Photo Vic Isaacs

Winning the toss, Vince Wells had little doubt about batting, but two early wickets from Mullally and Hamblin would have had him worried. Trevor Ward, a new acquisition from Kent, was first to go as he edged Mullally to Mascarenhas at slip. Darren Maddy suffered the same fate, this time off Hamblin without scoring.

Hampshire are having problems with bowling injuries, and with Morris sidelined with muscle spasms, the last thing Robin Smith wanted was to see Mascarenhas limp off for the day after bowling just four balls. His absence gave the remaining bowlers extra work, and Michael Bevan showed his class before he was caught at short leg off Udal, a decision that seemed to displease the Australian.

Vince Wells then dominated with a superb, unbeaten 149. His innings, which included 21 fours to date, included attractive strokes all around the wicket. He received superb support from Darren Stevens, who hit a quickfire 82 before playing late on a Kendall in-swinger, holing out to the substitute fielder. The partnership of 149 had turned the innings around for the visitors.

Before the start of play, Rod Bransgrove handed a county cap to John Crawley after just one match for his new side.