Jennings goes big as Hampshire toil at home
Keaton Jennings quickly disproved a Utilita Bowl jinx with a fine century to ease Lancashire into a large firstinnings lead over Hampshire.
Five batters – Nick Gubbins, James Vince, Tom Prest,
Liam Dawson and Luke Wells – had scored fifties without converting to three figures in the first fixture at the newly renamed ground.
But Jennings turned his overnight 85 into 172 with barely a moment out of shape, 21-yearold George Bell brilliantly accompanying him – but he was left cursing himself after running himself out for 99, with a maiden first-class century at his fingertips.
Lancashire were eventually bowled out for 484 – with
Liam Dawson picking up
4-156 – boasting a 117-run lead. Hampshire lost two wickets to Will Williams before the close as they reached 39 for two.
Neither the pitch nor the Kookaburra ball have assisted the bowlers in any way shape or form.
The only time Jennings had looked ill at ease during his seven-and-a-half-hour vigil had been on day two when he was dropped at point, when on 36, by Nick Gubbins.
Otherwise, it was a 360-degree showcase of his skills, with the lack of movement from the fast bowlers not troubling him, and his renowned brilliance against spin made threats low.
The former Test opener reached his 28th first-class century in 234 balls with an effortless cover drive as he and Bell eased through the morning session.
Jennings moved through 150 – something six of his last seven red ball centuries have done – with Lancashire reaching 350 before the bonus points ended.