Robin Smith played a captains roll with a brave century after watching his middle order collapse around him, at the Rose Bowl on today.

Smith acknowledges century Photo Vic Isaacs

Smith's vital five hours at the crease on a wicket of uneven bounce was a superb exhibition of defence and attack. He showed an array of shots in his well worn armour, and was helped first by Nic Pothas and then with a century partnership with Shaun Udal.

At 86 for five, with the Kent seamers Ben Trott and Martin Saggers moving the ball in both directions, Smith with wicket-keeper Pothas rallied with a partnership of 74. Pothas recently arrived from South Africa has found it difficult to come to terms with English spring conditions. Today he seemed to have mastered these before becoming the first of the admirable Trott's three wickets. Mascarenhas also went to Trott in the same over, and now it was time for the two Hampshire veterans to pitch together and repel everything the visiting bowlers had to offer.

Smith was finally out having reached his 60th first-class century, when he edged the second new ball to Symonds at slip, he fell just 19 runs short of the milestone of 25,000 runs in all first-class matches.

Udal, who struck a mighty six off Min Patel, was disappointingly out for 88, adjudged lbw, he departed an unhappy man, but he had seen the 300 posted a figure that did not look possible after the morning session.

Martin Saggers with 4 wickets bowled with venom, with able support from Ben Trott, but it may be that Hampshire's seamers will also be looking forward to the second days play.

© Hampshire Cricket