Hampshire in acendancy after day one.

As first days of the seasons go, Hampshire could not have asked for a much better one as they finished the day with a first innings lead of 67 with 5 wickets in hand.

Hampshire gave debuts to Michael Brown, Michael Clarke and Billy Taylor, and new Hampshire captain Shane Warne played his first game for the county since 2000. Durham too had new faces, but were without their overseas signings Hershelle Gibbs and Shoaib Akhtar and two players on England duty, Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood.

Durham captain Jon Lewis' decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired on him, The home sides four pronged seam attack took full advantage of the conditions. Mullally and Tremlett both looking fit caused all sorts of problems, dismissing Lewis and Muchall with 6 on the board.

Billy Taylor and Dimitri Mascarenhas also bowled tightly and were rewarded for their efforts. Shane Warne the return of the prodigal son not only took two wickets but also three sharp slip catches.

When Hampshire batted, Derek Kenway and Brown gave the innings a solid start, and when both were dismissed to the persevering Davies, John Crawley was joined by the Aussie Clarke. Clarke delighted the sizable opening day crowd with a stirring 73 not out, an innings of just 73 balls and 14 beautifully struck boundaries. Hampshire supporters are going to be in afor a treat this season if this is a taste of what is to come.

The loss of two late wickets put a damper on the day, but skipper Warne and manager Terry promised Hampshire fans an exiting season. After day one we now know what they mean.