Captain Jimmy Adams struck his first century of the new season as Hampshire’s batsmen dominated the opening day against Worcestershire at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Hants got off to an excellent start, finishing with a total of 367-6 with Adams leading the way with 151 not out.

Opening batsman Michael Carberry (62) ably assisted Adams and took advantage of some wayward and inconsistent Worcestershire bowling as the duo brought up their fifty partnership in the 16th over.

Carberry was particularly fluent, hooking and driving powerfully, as he raced to his half century from just 64 balls.

The openers took their partnership into three figures in the 23rd over.

It took a change of bowling to remove Carberry, spinner Moeen Ali striking with his fourth ball to leave Hants 127-1 at lunch.

After the interval, Chris Russell removed Liam Dawson for 26, before Moeen struck again, dismissing George Bailey (11) caught at slip from a loose slash outside off-stump.

The wicket left Hampshire at 197-3, but brought James Vince, to the crease to accompany skipper Adams.

The pair batted with great composure, with Adams progressing ever more serenely to his ton, while Vince looking ominously fluent.

On the stroke of tea, the captain reached three figures from 194 balls and ensured Hants went to tea in total control, at 246-3.

After the break, Vince (52) progressed to his half-century with some crunching drives, but threw his wicket away soon after, mis-timing a pre-meditated slog to Alan Richardson at mid-on, to give Moeen his third wicket and leave Hants on 279-4.

Sean Ervine (18) added 40 in seven overs with the increasingly attacking Adams, before being undone by a superb delivery from Russell, which nipped away and clipped the top of off-stump.

Hants progressed past 350 before they lost their sixth wicket, keeper Adam Wheater trapped leg before by the hard-working Richardson for 15.

Adams reached his 150 from 282 balls in the final few overs before the close, ensuring Hampshire occupied the box seat.