Hampshire share the spoils in Ageas Bowl friendly

On a rain-affected second and final day, the home side’s bowlers picked up six wickets with youngsters Brad Wheal and James Crane claiming a pair apiece.

Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry retired not out overnight after his fluent unbeaten century, meaning Lewis McManus and Ryan McLaren took to the crease at the start of yesterday’s play, with the score 211 for three.

The duo did not hang around long, though, as Kent spinners Adam Riley and Imran Qayyum struck in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 237 for five.

The impressive Qayyum then picked up his third wicket of the game to dismiss Chris Wood, who hit a quickfire 21, as Hampshire declared before lunch on 254 for six, with Crane unbeaten at the crease on 16.

Veteran seamer James Tomlinson then gave the home bowling attack the best possible start as he trapped Daniel Bell-Drummond leg before wicket with the first ball of Kent’s innings.

The visitors responded well to that early wobble, though, with Sean Dickson (38) and Adam Ball (36) guiding them through to the interval with no further loss.

Wheal removed Dickson, thanks to a simple catch from wicketkeeper Adam Wheater but Hampshire were then frustrated by the weather as a large chunk of the afternoon session was lost to heavy downpours.

When the players emerged for the evening session, it was Crane who impressed with the ball.

The 19-year-old underlined his talent as he claimed the wickets of both captain Sam Northeast (32) and Mitchell Claydon (two) with Kent ending the day on 141 for six with the match drawn.

That’s after McLaren had earlier dismissed Ball and Wheal picked up his second wicket by sending Alex Blake (25) packing.

Hampshire are back in action tomorrow as they travel to neighbours Sussex for another friendly encounter.

Hampshire: Tom Alsop, Michael Carberry, Will Smith, Sean Ervine, Adam Wheater, Lewis McManus, Ryan McLaren, Chris Wood, James Tomlinson, Mason Crane, Brad Taylor, Brad Wheal, Joe Weatherley