Benkenstein: Hampshire can do some damage

The hosts are in decent shape after some impressive work on a mixed second day with rain causing frustration.

Benkenstein’s men were all out for 336 and then reduced Middlesex to 84 for three.

And the Hampshire first team coach reckons his team can take plenty of positives from their play.

He said: The rain was always forecast, we knew it was coming.

‘We bowled well before lunch, we carried on how we bowled at Yorkshire, on a really flat wicket we showed good discipline.

‘We were probably a bit unlucky to only have two wickets before lunch.

‘After lunch we tried to do the same things but weren’t as spot on but I do think we always looked dangerous.’

Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan had to dig in to stop Hampshire boosting their position further.

Malan reached 40 before the clouds breezed in to firstly force the players off for bad light at 2.50pm, before rain ended day two early with only 41 overs bowled.

Earlier, James Tomlinson took his ninth wicket of the year and South African Ryan McClaren struck twice.

The away side are three down on the scorecard but in effect four down with Adam Voges injured.

Tino Best has impressed Benkenstein and could be an inspirational figure from here on.

‘I was impressed by Tino, he bowled really quick and that is what we need,’ added the first team coach.

‘I’m sure the tail won’t enjoy thunderbolts coming past their heads.’

– ALEX SMITH