JIMMY Adams made the highest post-war score by a Hampshire captain as his side took complete control on day two against Worcestershire at the Rose Bowl.

Resuming overnight on 151, Adams progressed to a double ton — eventually finishing 219 not out from 382 balls — as Hampshire declared on 500-9, their highest-ever total against Worcestershire.

The visitors were 159-5 at the close of play with both James Tomlinson and David Balcombe taking two wickets as only Moeen Ali really offered any resistance.

In the morning session, Adams and partner Chris Wood carried Hants from an overnight 367-6 and up towards 450 and a fifth batting point.

But with the score on 447, Wood (41) was caught behind off the bowling of Daryl Mitchell, ending a seventh-wicket partnership of 96.

New batsman Balcombe departed soon after for a duck, trapped in front by a yorker from Richard Jones to leave Hants on 448-8.

Adams and new partner Danny Briggs secured a fifth bonus point before lunch, while Adams went to his personal milestone from 357 balls.

Briggs was dismissed for 14 by spinner Ali and after a meandering few overs — during which Tomlinson top-edged a ball into his face — Adams declared the innings closed.

Chasing 351 to avoid the follow-on, Worcestershire’s openers Mitchell and Matthew Pardoe began in careful fashion as the home bowlers kept a disciplined line and length.

The score had moved to 40 without loss in the 12th over when Balcombe struck for Hants, Mitchell (18) edging into the slips where Liam Dawson took a superb catch.

Pardoe and number three Ali combined to add 24 runs in almost 20 overs as Hants bowlers applied some pressure.

But not long after the tea break, Pardoe’s patient innings of 29 from 99 balls was ended, caught by Vince off the bowling of Tomlinson.

Overseas player Thilan Samaraweera was the next man in and the next to depart, edging Wood to Sean Ervine at first slip to leave Worcs struggling on 98-3.

A period of consolidation was necessary, but Alexei Kervezee (11) threw his wicket away in horrendous fashion just three overs later, lofting Balcombe high to Briggs.

At the other end, Ali looked in superb nick, adding a chanceless half-century to impressive figures of 4-103 in Hampshire’s innings.

But he too gave his wicket away to a loose shot, hitting Tomlinson hard to Dawson at second slip for 55.

Sixth-wicket pair Neil Pinner and Michael Johnson survived until the close, but Hampshire — who still lead by 341 runs — are clear favourites for a comprehensive win.