Keith Barker Shines as Hampshire Takes Lead Over Warwickshire

Hampshire 298 and 88 for 2 (Middleton 58, Gubbins 24, Mousley 1-0) lead Warwickshire 254 (Bethell 69, Mousley 57, Barker 6-74) by 132 runs

Keith Barker showcased the talent Warwickshire lost in 2018 by propelling Hampshire into a commanding position on the second day of their Vitality County Championship match at Edgbaston.

Barker's left-arm swing, which secured him 14 five-wicket hauls during his tenure with Warwickshire, earned him his ninth five-wicket haul for Hampshire, with figures of 6 for 74, tipping the balance in favour of Hampshire in this fiercely contested match under the Birmingham sun.

Warwickshire, in response to Hampshire's 298, were bowled out for 254, largely due to the efforts of Barker and Kyle Abbott (3 for 64), despite determined resistance from young batsmen Jake Bethell and Dan Mousley.

A 44-run lead proved useful in conditions favouring seamers, and Hampshire extended it in the final session, reaching 88 for 2 as Fletcha Middleton notched his second half-century of the match.

Starting the day at 51 for 2, Warwickshire experienced an unusual early delay at 11:01 am for a ball inspection and subsequent change. Barker then exploited the new ball brilliantly, taking 3 for 17 in 25 balls. He trapped Danny Briggs lbw, had Sam Hain caught superbly by Ben Brown, and bowled Ed Barnard.

From 83 for 5, Mousley and Bethell showed resilience. Known for their aggressive batting in the Blast (Bethell recently hit 50 off 15 balls), they demonstrated solid technique against quality bowling, adding 74 runs in 22 overs before Mousley edged behind off Barker while driving away from his body.

Michael Burgess joined Bethell, adding 64 runs in 21 overs before Barker struck again. Bethell edged a drive to first slip, where James Vince took the catch, and Chris Woakes followed two overs later with a similar dismissal.

Craig Miles hit three quick fours before missing an Abbott delivery, while Mohammad Abbas finally claimed a deserved wicket as Burgess chopped on.

In the evening session, Hampshire started poorly when Toby Albert edged Olly Hannon-Dalby’s second ball to slip, but then progressed steadily. Middleton continued his good form from the first innings, reaching a 60-ball fifty. Nick Gubbins (24 not out in over two hours) played a slow but valuable innings, helping to increase Hampshire's lead.

Middleton edged behind off Mousley 14 balls before the close. While Hampshire holds a significant advantage, Warwickshire remains in the game. This match promises an intriguing second half, especially for those enjoying the numerous threes, with 15 already recorded due to the long boundary on the Pershore Road side of the ground.