Nick Gubbins and Liam Dawson both notched their third centuries of the County Championship season, propelling Hampshire to an impressive 373-4 on the first day against Worcestershire at the Utilita Bowl.
Gubbins, a left-hander, scored 153—his highest for Hampshire since joining from Middlesex in 2021. He formed a solid 129-run partnership with James Vince, who contributed 57, before adding an unbeaten 199-run stand with Dawson.
Fletcha Middleton was the first wicket to fall, bowled by a stunning delivery from Tom Taylor, who soon followed up by finding the edge of Toby Albert’s bat in his next over.
Vince then settled in with Gubbins, who took on the role of aggressor, finding success with a series of cut shots off Logan van Beek. Vince's innings ended in controversy after attempting a big sweep off on-loan spinner Amar Virdi. Although he missed the ball, the bail was dislodged. Vince initially stood his ground, believing the wicketkeeper's glove or arm had disturbed it, but the umpires eventually ruled him bowled.
Virdi claimed a second wicket when Ben Brown edged the ball to wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick, trying to create space for a shot.
Dawson joined Gubbins and immediately hit four boundaries, surpassing 10,000 first-class runs in his 202nd appearance. He was dropped at 62 but continued to support Gubbins, who reached his century after facing 198 deliveries. Dawson raced through the 90s, smashing a pulled six and a cover-driven four to bring up his 17th career century.
Despite trailing Surrey by 27 points, Hampshire remains mathematically in the title hunt, while Worcestershire, nearly safe after three consecutive wins and last week's draw against Warwickshire, will look to bounce back on day two.
Match Summary:
- Hampshire 373-4 (Gubbins 153, Dawson 102; Taylor 2-62)
- Worcestershire (yet to bat)