MICHAEL BROWN reckons being dropped from Hampshire's one day side helped him hit his highest championship score since April.

The opener's 90 was his best since his unbeaten 102 against Leicestershire at the Rose Bowl more than three months ago.

It was also his first innings since he was dropped from Hampshire's one day side for Monday's abandoned totesport National League match against Surrey.

Brown said: "I was disappointed to be dropped but you have to take the positives from it and it gave me more time to prepare and be fresh for this game.

"I was diappointed to get out for 90 but I played reasonably well and at this stage of the season it's good to produce an innings that will hopefully help set us up for another good win and back up the skipper's decision to bat first.

"It's important that we get as close to 400 as we can and hopefully give our bowlers something to bowl at and get them on the back foot."

Brown eventually lost his middle stump to Darren Thomas after more than four hours at the crease.

He added: "The ball swung here more than I've ever seen it swing before at the Rose Bowl and Darren Thomas had been swinging them away and just got one to nip back.

"The wicket is fine, it's a bit two- paced and there is some bounce from just back of a length. You have to be watchful, but there's no danger."

Brown's former opening partner Derek Kenway (64) was the only other Hampshire player to pass fifty yesterday. "Derek was hitting the ball like he was at the start of the season," added Brown.