Jimmy Adams hit a flawless hundred to lead Hampshire to a commanding 286 for four on day one of their LV County Championship Division One match against Somerset at the Rose Bowl.

With both sides picking three spinners, on a pitch tipped to turn from the very first day and becoming increasingly treacherous to bat on, a big first innings score was a must for the home side.

After winning the toss Adams, in partnership with the newly promoted Liam Dawson, got the innings off to a flyer.

Adams looked at his fluent best immediately, cutting and driving powerfully through the off-side.

Dawson, given his first chance to open the batting at county championship level after numerous outings for the second XI, started nervously but was also quickly into his stride.

Somerset captain Justin Langer, eager to stem the early flow of runs, turned to one of his spin trio, West Indian Omari Banks, as early as the 13th over. But, despite the odd scare, both batsman remained unmoved at lunch with the score on 91 without loss.

With his mind perhaps still on his lunch, Adams offered the day's first real chance immediately after the restart, edging a cut shot to Langer at slip. But, much like his fellow Australians at The Oval last week, the chance of a breakthrough was missed.

Both openers moved serenely passed 50 before Hampshire's first wicket fell in the 40th over, Dawson perishing for 55 after shouldering arms to a Banks delivery which turned sharply.

The wicket brought Michael Lumb to the crease and tempted Langer into using spin from both ends with Arul Suppiah coming into the attack.

Lumb was quickly into his stride however as he and Adams built the sort of partnership Hampshire fans have seen between the two often this term, taking the home side comfortably through to 203 for one at tea, with Adams inching towards a century.

Normal service was resumed after the tea break with Adam moving to a deserved ton, before a brief flurry of wickets threatened to derail the innings.

Lumb, James Vince and Sean Ervine all departed for the addition of just 14 runs,

Banks grabbing two more deserved scalps, leaving Hampshire on 249 for four.

But Somerset hopes of a full collapse were scuppered as a dogged partnership between Adams and wicketkeeper Nic Pothas saw Hampshire through to the close.