Good recovery brings Hampshire back into contention

A solid post-tea season performance from the Hampshire bowlers pulled them back into contention on the opening day of the 2003 season, after opponents Worcestershire had eased themselves into a strong position earlier in the day.

Hampshire gave county debuts to Pakistani all-rounder Wasim Akram and former England paceman Ed Giddins, while John Crawley lost his first toss in charge of the side. Worcestershire took full advantage of a good-looking pitch on a warm spring day at New Road.

Wasim Akram did not take long to record his first wicket for his new county, when Anurag Singh was trapped in front with the score at just 25 but Stephen Peters laid siege at one end whilst watching Graeme Hick show many of the strokes he has become synonymous for in posting 72.

Peters fell just after lunch when pulling Alan Mullally to Robin Smith at mid-wicket, but Ben Smith, Worcestershire's new captain, joined Hick in a stand of 73 which delighted the 2,500 crowd packed into New Road, the largest for a Championship game for over eight years.

The pair were broken when Hick fell in similar fashion to Peters - Crawley taking the catch this time. In the meantime, Smith continued on, adding 69 with Vikram Solanki.

However, when Solanki went to a stinging catch of his own bowling by Shaun Udal and David Leatherdale watched his middle stump cartwheel towards the wicket-keeper, awarding Giddins his first wicket for Hampshire, the home side has lost their way slightly.

Giddins then brought an end to Smith's innings, having him leg before for 104 in a stay that included 15 fours and two sixes and must have adhered himself to the New Road faithful as their new leader.

That after-tea session continued to belong to Hampshire when Wasim Akram collected his second by sending Gareth Batty back to the pavilion lbw. Steve Rhodes and Kabir Ali saw the home side to the close.

But from 244 for 3 to a close-of-play 318 for 7 was an improved performance from the bowlers after Worcestershire had looked like adding considerably more than they did.

Wasim, Alan Mullally and Giddins all took two wickets apiece and Hampshire will be hoping that the second morning will bring about a quick conclusion to their innings.