Hampshire pick up four batting points on first day at Bristol

Hampshire's Pakistan overseas star Wasim AKram was rested for the Frizzell County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Bristol today. James Tomlinson took his place as the only change from the side that drew with Yorkshire last week.

Tim Tremlett, Hampshire's Director of Cricket told the Hampshire Web Master that Wasim had received a couple of niggling injuries after Yorkshire, and having played the three one day matches last weekend it was decided to rest him for the Oxford UCCE and the Gloucestershire matches.

"Wasim has also gone back to Lahore for a week to sort out some business and family affairs", said Tim "and is expected to play in the ECB National League match this Sunday at Old Trafford".

Hampshire had a good days batting on the first day at Bristol, despite losing Kenway (8) and Smith (a rare 0), four batsmen reached half centuries, with Simon Katich top scoring with a classy 96, before being decieved by the left arm spin of Ian Fisher just 4 short of a well deserved century. John Crawley spent the first 90 minutes of the day scoring three, before opening out after lunch, posting an second wicket stand of 142 with the Aussie.

The afternoon following the loss of 3mwickets belonged to Will Kendall and Nic Pothas. Kendall following on his century against the Oxford students battled well for 69, and Nic Pothas showing off the form that has made him one of the countries leading run scorers this season, against proved what a wonderful asset he has become to the county.

Hampshire reached their fourth batting point just before the close.