Carberry hits ton in comeback after cancer

Hampshire opener Michael Carberry marked his return to first-class cricket after being diagnosed with cancer by scoring a century against Cardiff MCCU at the Ageas Bowl.

Carberry was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour last July and missed the second half of the season. He returned to training shortly before Christmas and was part of Hampshire's pre-season tour to Barbados last month where he showed good form.

On the first day against Cardiff he opened the batting, scoring 100 off 121 balls before falling to David O'Sullivan and was given a standing ovation as he walked off.

Last week, Carberry issued a statement thanking people for their support and looking ahead to the season.

"I would like to thank my family, the club, the supporters and my team-mates worldwide for all the kind messages of support and love through another very tough time in my career and life," he said.

"There is still a long way to go to being 'recovered' fully, but the outpour of support from the cricket family has helped massively in getting me back playing, and I'm looking forward to another great summer with Hampshire."

Carberry has played six Tests for England including all five on the 2013-14 Ashes tour where he was England's second-highest run-scorer behind Kevin Pietersen.