Hants Bowlers Impress But Bell Century Keeps Warwickshire On Top

Former England Test batsman Ian Bell’s impressive century proved to be the difference on day three of Hampshire’s Specsavers County Championship match against Warwickshire at the The Ageas Bowl.

After Hants reached their first bonus point early in the day, Fidel Edwards (3-80) gave the hosts a strong start, dismissing both Warwickshire openers for single figures.

However, Bell reached a patient hundred in the evening session and was well-supported by Chris Woakes (66) as Warwickshire stayed on top in the match, finishing the day on 283-6 at stumps. 

After seeing no play on day two because of heavy rain, the Hampshire faithful had to wait an extra 24 hours to see if Ryan McLaren, 84 not out overnight, would become the first player to pick up a century at the The Ageas Bowl this season.

However Hampshire’s attentions quickly turned to just reaching the 200 mark when McLaren fell to all-rounder Rikki Clarke (3-43), adding one to his overnight score.  It was in true tailender fashion that James Tomlinson (23*) and Fidel Edwards (4) helped Hants reach their first point of the season – bashing three fours in five balls as the hosts finished the first innings of 202 all-out.

It was in this fixture last season that saw fast-bowler Fidel Edwards produce one of his best performances for the club and his start to this match certainly showed he enjoys playing against Warwickshire.

The west-Indian paceman steamed in with purpose and intent all morning and he was rewarded for his efforts, dismissing openers Ian Westwood (2) and Varun Chopra (8), both lbw.

And it got even better for Hants when skipper James Vince (1-14), bowling because of the injury to Reece Topley, grabbed the important wicket of former England man Jonathan Trott (27) to leave the visitors 77-3 at lunch.

 It was an afternoon session that saw the Hampshire bowlers keep it tight throughout and take two wickets in the process. James Tomlinson (1-71) and Ryan McLaren (1-53) both picked up their first wicket of the season, as Warwickshire went into tea on 169-5.

However it was in truth the visiting side who dominated the evening session – largely thanks to former England test batsman Ian Bell, who brought up a well-made century in 218 balls (8 fours). Bell was well-supported by all-rounder Chris Woakes, as the pair led the visitors to 283-6 at stumps, a lead of 81 runs.