Hampshire escape as Topley is sidelined

Giles White saluted the character of Liam Dawson and Adam Wheater after their crucial partnership earned Hampshire a draw with Warwickshire at the Ageas Bowl.

The home side began the second innings of their curtain-raising County Championship division one clash 158 runs behind.

And after a clatter of wickets on the final afternoon they slipped to 112 for five, offering the Bears hope of a dramatic success.

But Dawson (50 not out) and Wheater (34 not out) joined forces to share a stand of 73 in 24.5 overs, easing Hampshire into the lead before the two skippers shook hands shortly before 6pm.

White, who saw his side wrap up the visitors’ first innings for 360 on the final morning, was happy to escape with nine points ahead of the trip to Yorkshire on Sunday.

Hampshire’s director of cricket said: ‘It was a very important partnership at that stage of the game.

‘We were under pressure at that moment and they both came through and showed character, batted well and made good decisions to see us to the draw.

‘A couple of quick wickets would have put us under pressure, so it was good to see them hold firm.

‘We will take the points and move on to Headingley.’

Meanwhile, a specialist has confirmed Reece Topley has a fractured hand and will be out for six to eight weeks.

Topley was injured while batting on day one of the clash with Warwickshire.

The England man was unable to bowl a ball on his Hampshire debut.

He will miss the next four Championship games and faces a race to be fit for the start of the NatWest T20 Blast on Friday, May 27.