Essex v Hampshire - Day Two Close of Play Report

Jimmy Adams showed determination and concentration to hit an unbeaten century as Hampshire reached the close on 234-5 wickets, trailing Essex by 111 runs at the end of the second day's play.

 

He had suffered a few moments of apprehension in the initial stages of his innings but grew in composure and confidence to deny all attempts of the six bowlers to remove him and by the end of play; he had faced 245 deliveries which had produced 113 runs for the batsman.     

 

Having reached the tea interval on 158-3, Hampshire continued to make serene progress upon the resumption with Adams continuing his vigilant approach in underpinning the visitors reply as he patiently waited for the looser delivery to punish.

 

It took Hampshire 18 overs to add the further 42 runs needed to reach their first batting bonus point but three overs after the 200 had been posted, they lost their fourth wicket when Chris Benham departed for 21.

 

Maurice Chambers found extra lift with a delivery that the batsman edged behind the wicket to give James Foster a uniform catch and bring a conclusion to a 48 runs partnership spanning 20 overs.

 

Adams meanwhile was making resolute progress towards his century and reached the milestone when he turned a ball from Wright behind square on the leg side. He had been at the crease a little over five hours and faced 214 balls that included 14 boundaries in his unyielding performance.

 

The home attack toiled away maintaining a consistent good line and length and were rewarded for their efforts when they picked up another wicket with the new ball beckoning.

 

Ryan ten Doeschate had been called back into the attack and struck in his third over when he found the outside edge as Pothas pushed tentatively forward to be caught at second slip by substitute fielder Tim Phillips that left Hampshire 232-5 wickets in the eightieth over.

 

The new ball was taken immediately but Adams and night-watchman James Tomlinson held firm in the remaining two overs against ten Doeschate and Masters.

 

Scoreboard - Essex 345 all out, Hampshire 234-5 wickets from 82 overs Adams 113 not out, Tomlinson 0 not out.

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