Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry hails career-best innings

Hampshire opener Michael Carberry said his 150 not out in their YB40 victory over Lancashire was the best one-day performance of his career.

Carberry's knock, off just 115 balls, saw Hampshire to 250-1 after being set 245 to win by the visitors.

The nine-wicket victory made it four wins out of five for the defending champions this season.

"In terms of fluency, I seemed to find my feet straight away," 32-year-old Carberry told BBC Radio Solent.

"I picked the right options and backed myself. It's nice that I'm improving each year and I'm reaping the rewards for a lot of hard work.

"I didn't feel in great nick a few weeks ago, but I went away and credit to [coach] Giles White and the team because the hard work has paid off.

"It's important to keep on that winning trail, it's never easy defending your title and we are the side other teams are going to come after. We have to stay on it and keep going.

Carberry, who scored 77 for England Lions against New Zealand last month, also admitted he has not given up hope of making a return to Test cricket.

The left-hander opener won one England cap in 2010, but has not been involved since.

He added: "I'd like to make the transition to just being in the England Lions to where I was in 2010 and be on the highest stage so I can and test myself against the best.

"I do realise the clock is ticking and time catches up on us all. There are some good young players out there so all I can do is keep playing well."