County Championship: Ian Holland & Aneurin Donald hit Hampshire tons against Warwickshire

Ian Holland's previous best score in first-class cricket was 58 not out

Ian Holland and Aneurin Donald both scored centuries to put Hampshire in a strong position against Warwickshire.

The pair shared a new county fifth-wicket record stand of 262 at the Ageas Bowl as the hosts recovered from 168-4 to close on a commanding 450-6.

Holland batted patiently to reach his maiden first-class ton before edging England's Olly Stone behind for 143.

Donald, by contrast, struck five sixes as he bludgeoned his way to 173 before falling in the day's final over.

The 22-year-old Welshman also hit 21 fours during his 144-ball knock, briefly switching into one-day mode upon reaching three figures, taking just 20 deliveries to move from 100 to 150.

After completing his first century since joining the county from Glamorgan in August 2018, Donald's brutal assault during the evening session coincided with Warwickshire taking the second new ball - which, on a flat pitch, made little to no difference.

On his first appearance since suffering a lower back stress fracture on tour with England in January, one Stone over went going for 19 runs.

The Bears, who elected to field first, had got off to the perfect start when Stone (3-75) dismissed debutant opener Felix Organ and Ajinkya Rahane to leave Hampshire 13-2.

Sam Northeast (59) shared 98 with Holland for the third wicket before he and Rilee Rossouw (34) fell shortly after lunch. However, Holland and Donald then combined brilliantly to surpass the previous county best 235-run fifth-wicket stand between Gerry Hill and Donald Walker at the United Services Ground, Portsmouth, in June 1937.

Hampshire all-rounder Ian Holland:

"It was my first time opening. I knew my job was to get through the new ball and keep it simple, one ball at a time and set it up for the middle order.

"It was an opportunity for me and I am glad to have taken that opportunity. I know I will have to fight for the spot to make it my own. ice to get my first ton. Every cricketer wants to make their first hundred and to do it here was pretty special.

"All eyes were on Aneurin and I had the best seat in the house. It was pretty special. I hadn't seen anything like that before. He is an incredible talent.

"He batted beautifully the way he went up and down his gears. He and the other batters made my life easier as they all came in and scored."

Warwickshire fast bowler Olly Stone:

"It felt good to be back out there with the boys again - although my body is feeling it a bit. I tried to come out and hit those lengths so for it to come off like it did was great.

"I am unrestricted in the amount of overs I can bowl within limits. Short sharp spells and keep talking to Jeetan Patel about how I'm feeling is key.

"Donald played some exceptional shots. In four-day cricket you don't expect it. We had to go towards our one-day skills and try not to be predictable.

"We needed to be one step ahead of the game but at times I thought he knew exactly what was going to come out. Their partnership was great but to break it before the end of the day was good."