WORCESTERSHIRE — Adam Hose delivered a batting masterclass, smashing an astonishing 266 off just 253 balls as Worcestershire piled up a mammoth 456-3 on the opening day of their County Championship clash against Hampshire.
A Record-Breaking Innings
Hose’s monumental knock, the highest individual score of the 2024 County Championship season so far, was a spectacle of controlled aggression. His innings included 30 fours and 10 sixes, dismantling Hampshire’s bowling attack with precision and power. "It was one of those days where everything just clicked," Hose said post-match.
The 31-year-old right-hander reached his century in just 112 balls before accelerating mercilessly, taking full advantage of a flat pitch at New Road. His double-century came off 208 deliveries, making it one of the fastest in recent County Championship history. By the time he was dismissed, caught behind off Kyle Abbott, Worcestershire had already secured a dominant position.
Partnerships That Crushed Hampshire
Hose was not alone in his dominance. He shared two crucial partnerships that left Hampshire reeling:
- A 187-run stand with Jake Libby (78) for the second wicket
- A 219-run blitz with Kashif Ali (89*) for the third wicket
Kashif Ali, unbeaten overnight, played the perfect supporting role, rotating strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries. "Batting with Adam was incredible—he made it look so easy," Kashif remarked after the day’s play.
Hampshire’s Bowling Struggles
Hampshire’s attack, usually disciplined, had no answers to Hose’s onslaught. Kyle Abbott (1-85) and Mohammad Abbas (0-72) toiled without reward, while spinners Liam Dawson and Mason Crane conceded over five runs an over. Captain James Vince rotated his bowlers frequently, but no combination could stem the flow of runs.
"We tried everything—different fields, different bowlers—but Adam was just unstoppable today," Vince admitted. Hampshire’s hopes of a fightback now rest on their batters matching Worcestershire’s mammoth total.
Where Does Hose’s Knock Rank?
Hose’s 266 is now the highest individual score for Worcestershire in the County Championship since 2017, when Daryl Mitchell made 298 against Sussex. It also places him among the top 10 highest scores in the club’s history. Given the context—an opening-day blitz against a strong Hampshire attack—this innings could be remembered as one of the finest in recent domestic cricket.
Key Stats from the Day
- 266 – Adam Hose’s career-best score (previous best: 187)
- 456-3 – Worcestershire’s total at stumps (highest Day 1 score this season)
- 10 – Sixes hit by Hose (most in a single innings this season)
- 5.68 – Worcestershire’s run rate across the day
What’s Next for Worcestershire?
With Kashif Ali still at the crease and the lower order capable of quick runs, Worcestershire will aim to push beyond 600 on Day 2. A declaration could come early, putting Hampshire under immediate pressure to respond. For Hose, this innings could be a turning point in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in county cricket.
"Days like this don’t come often, so I’ll savor it," Hose said. "But the job isn’t done—we want to win this game and keep pushing up the table."
Hampshire, meanwhile, face an uphill battle. Their bowlers will need a dramatic turnaround, while their batters must produce something special to avoid a heavy defeat. With weather forecasts clear for the coming days, a result seems inevitable—and Worcestershire are firmly in the driving seat.
As the sun set on an unforgettable day at New Road, one thing was certain: Adam Hose had etched his name into Worcestershire folklore with an innings of sheer brilliance.