Five-star Warne steals show

Shane Warne © Getty Images

Another five-wicket haul for Shane Warne and a championship-best 85 from opening batsman James Adams kept Hampshire on course for victory over Warwickshire in their Liverpool Victoria County Championship match at Edgbaston.

Warne made short work of Warwickshire's first innings, despite a defiant century from Jim Troughton, to take 5-52, the 60th such haul of his career.

But Warne decided not to enforce the follow-on and opted to let his batsmen pursue quick runs, allowing Adams to play an unfettered and attractive innings.

The declaration set Warwickshire an improbable 407 for victory on a wearing pitch and they soon lost Neil Carter and Jonathan Trott before closing on 69 for two.

With the pitch taking spin, Warne is again likely to be the major threat to Warwickshire.

Only Troughton, who completed his first century at Edgbaston in three years, played with any confidence in the first innings.

Dougie Brown edged to wicketkeeper Nic Pothas aiming through midwicket, Tony Frost perished to a top-edged sweep off Shaun Udal's off-spin, Heath Streak padded up to Warne and Carter played on.

Jim Troughton made a valiant hundred for Warwickshire

Troughton stuck 13 fours in the 10th century of his career but became Warne's fifth victim when he was bowled.

Hampshire's batsmen then set to work on building quickly on their lead of 188 to set up the declaration.

Adams took the lead in a positive and fluent innings. His 50 included five fours and a six and he straight drove Alex Loudon and swept Brown for further sixes before edging behind.

Sean Ervine and Dominic Thornely sustained the attack, with Thornely taking 21 off an over from Brown, including three consecutive sixes.

The second one shattered the window of a radio commentary box, forcing the occupants to dive for cover.

Warne declared at 218 for six during the tea break, challenging Warwickshire to make the second highest fourth-innings winning total in their history.

They sent in Carter as a pinch-hitting opener to give the chase early impetus and he responded by pulling James Bruce for two huge sixes.

But it was a short-lived success as he chipped Chris Tremlett to mid-on and Trott played on in the seamer's next over.

Nick Knight and Ian Westwood survived uncomfortably before rain ended play four overs early.