Vince hundred commands stage

Hampshire's James Vince put down an early marker for an England call-up with a sparkling 144 as the visitors took control of their Championship Division Two match against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

A disappointing morning for the home side saw five wickets tumble to leave Gloucestershire 304 all out in their first innings, and this was capitalised on by Hampshire who ended the day on 417 for 9 in reply.

Vince, appointed Hampshire's vice-captain and Twenty20 captain at the age of 23, toured Sri Lanka with the England Lions earlier this year and produced a batting display which exemplified why he has been tagged as 'one to watch' this season.

From a position of 98 for 3, Vince guided Hampshire past Gloucestershire's total to a potentially winning position, sharing in useful partnerships of 111 with Will Smith and 155 with wicketkeeper Adam Wheater, who reached 81 not out at the close of play. Vince, who has now 11 first-class tons to his name, became Will Gidman's fourth victim, trapped lbw.

Gloucestershire had begun the day at the seemingly strong position of 292 for 5, only for their final five wickets to fall for just 12 runs as the Hampshire bowlers ran riot, Kyle Abbott the pick of them with figures of 5 for 67 and James Tomlinson snaring four victims. Will Tavare was the last man out, caught at second slip off Abbott for 139, having added only four runs to his overnight score.

Openers Michael Carberry and Jimmy Adams made a useful start for Hampshire, Carberry scoring 27 off 33 balls and Adams making 41, before both were caught behind. Then came Vince and his heroics before Wheater picked up the baton and pushed up the scoring rate.