Hampshire take command at Ageas Bowl

However, Jimmy Adams has warned his team-mates not to look too far ahead as they aim to press home their advantage and boost hopes of avoiding relegation.

Adams (88) was the only man out as Hampshire, who currently prop up the top-flight table, reached stumps on 276 for one.

Skipper Will Smith will resume unbeaten on 99, while Tom Alsop is 50 not out.

But while Adams revealed the hosts are pleased with the start they have made, he knows there is still a lot of hard work to be done.

He said: ‘We are pretty happy.

‘We have got ourselves a great chance to get a strong hold on the game.

‘But we need to come out and have another good session.

‘Hopefully we only have to bat once but the ball still offered something for the bowlers – hitting a hard length gave something.

‘But we’ve been in similar situations this season and thought too far ahead.

‘We grafted well but we need to make the most of that.’

Paired up only a few games ago, Adams and Smith have quickly developed an impressive rapport at the top of the order.

And while the former was frustrated at slamming a cut straight at point when in sight of a century, he was delighted to see his opening partner close in on three figures.

Adams added: ‘Will and I have managed to egg each other on a bit since we started opening up.

‘It was tough in periods, they were quite disciplined but it was nice to get a stand.

‘I’m disappointed not to kick on but it is nice to see Will still there and hopefully he can get one more.

‘It is never nice when you feel like you are going okay and then you get out in the manner I did.

‘I worked hard to get close to three figures and kind of gave it away.

‘It would have been nice to get a hundred but we are happy as a group.

‘I’ve not been able to back my scores up. I feel in better form recently but I’ve found some pretty average ways to get out.

‘I look back and see half volleys and long hops but it is better than nicking off early. It is always nice to score more.’