County Championship: Somerset's Abell hits 88 at Hampshire

Tom Abell, playing in his 12th first-class match, has still yet to hit a century

Tom Abell's 88 helped Somerset to 310-6 on an evenly poised first day against Hampshire at The Ageas Bowl.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Marcus Trescothick (53) and Abell shared 92 for the opening stand to get the visitors off to a solid start.

They went on to reach 202-2, with James Hildreth adding 76, before Hampshire fought back after tea.

Liam Dawson took 2-59, including the wicket of Abell, as Somerset lost four wickets for 108 runs.

Lewis Gregory and Michael Bates guided their side through the final six overs and to a third batting point after Hildreth had fallen to James Tomlinson (1-63) to quash any hopes of a 34th first-class century.

Earlier in the day, 21-year-old Abell had looked to be heading for a first career ton when he reached 88 from 177 deliveries - but failed to convert a 50 into 100 for the third innings running when he was bowled by Dawson.

Sixth-placed Somerset, who chased 401 to beat Nottinghamshire in their last Division One game, will now hope to extrapolate as many batting points as possible as they look to continue their climb up the table.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White:

"The boys worked hard throughout the day but Somerset are slightly ahead, but not by a long way.

"It's a good wicket and we bowled well after a tough first session.

"We want to take early wickets and make inroads tomorrow morning."

Somerset batsman Tom Abell:

"I'm pretty disappointed I didn't go on to three figures but I was pleased with how I've played.

"It's been a fair few times now I've gone past 50 and not made the 100 but 88 is still a decent score so I can't complain.

"I'm loving batting at the moment. The last couple of games have gone well for myself and Tres [Marcus Trescothick] and hopefully that can carry on."