LVCC Nottinghamshire vs Hampshire

Aug 19 2009

Michael Lumb's first Championship ton of the summer put relegation-threatened Hampshire in a strong position on the opening day against Nottinghamshire.

England Lions batsman Michael Carberry had also looked in good form, hitting 17 fours on his way to 86. But, after an opening stand of 146 with Jimmy Adams (55), Carberry was forced to retire hurt with a broken finger. And left-hander Lumb became the main contributor with an unbeaten 103 as the visitors reached 345-3 by the close.

All-rounder Andre Adams looked the most threatening of the Notts bowlers, but the hosts will have to improve considerably if they are to win and close the gap on leaders Durham.

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell had expressed the need to win, having drawn four and lost one of their last five in Division One. And the Trent Bridge wicket looked like a green seamer to try and assist the Notts bowlers. But, with no Ryan Sidebottom to face, Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas had no hesitation in choosing to bat. And it turned out to be a wise choice, as openers Carberry and Jimmy Adams helped themselves to some loose deliveries.

With Sidebottom at The Oval preparing for the final Ashes Test, the out-of-form Darren Pattinson and Charlie Shreck were asked to lead the Notts attack and both served up a succession of balls to drive or cut for four.

Hampshire were assisted by a short boundary on the Bridgford Road side of the ground. But Carberry in particular looked irresistible, and seemed on course for his fifth Championship hundred in six games when he was hit on the left hand by a rising ball from Adams.

The Kiwi seamer had already removed his namesake six overs earlier, when Jimmy Adams played on attempting to cut.

Youngster James Vince then put on 80 for the second wicket with Lumb before clipping Samit Patel to midwicket for 27 on the stroke of tea.

But the runs continued to flow in the final session before Adams made up for dropping Liam Dawson in the slips off Shreck by trapping the 19-year-old lbw in the very next over for 43.