There are times in cricket when it is conceivable when going out to toss that both captains would rather the coin did not fall in their favour. Today was such an example with overcast conditions and a greenish top wicket – neither captain wished to make the decision on whether to bat or field.

As it turned out, Lancashire skipper Warren Hegg was awarded the choice – much to Will Kendall's relief – and the hosts chose to bat first.

Seventeen wickets fell on the first day at Old Trafford as the ball swung and bounced considerably. But of the plethora of wickets to fall, the surface could not be wholly blamed and pitch watcher Raman Subba Row was unconvinced that this pitch contained the same demons that the pair faced a fortnight ago at The Rose Bowl.

Lancashire were mightily relieved that they had recalled opening batsman Alec Swann, who was absent from the Norwich Union League game two days ago. As the wickets tumbled at the other end, the winter signing from Northamptonshire remained defiant as he carried his bat – just the second Lancashire batsman since the war to do so at Old Trafford.

His 84 not out (184 balls, 11 fours) saved the home side as his team mates failed to reach 20 – debutant Sajid Mahmood hitting 18 as he and Swann rekindled the innings from a perilous 84-7 with a 54 run eighth-wicket partnership, as Hampshire were once again guilty of not cleaning up the tail.

Chris Tremlett could not be blamed though as he struck career-best figures of 5-57 from 17 overs, while he was well supported by Shaun Udal (2-24) as the five Hampshire bowlers all got amongst the wickets.

Lancashire's 163 all out was more than they should have scored – a tenth wicket partnership of 23 further frustrating the visitors.

Hampshire's dismal batting form of late, a source of real concern as they battle against the fear of relegation surfaced again as the pre-tea session of less than six overs saw four wickets fall, three to Glen Chapple. At 15-4, there were distinctive signs that this match was going the same way as its predecessor.

Nic Pothas (26) and the recalled but fortunate Alex Morris steadied the reply with a 43-run stand, although the latter was dropped three times on his way to 24.

Both were dismissed to the lively pace of James Anderson and they were followed by Dimitri Mascarenhas before an early rain-induced close saved Hampshire from further loss of wicket.

Seventeen wickets, 247 runs – you could almost be mistaken for sensing déjà vu.

© Hampshire Cricket