Jimmy Adams hit his second half-century in as many innings on a rain-affected opening day of Hampshire’s LV County Championship match against Surrey at The Ageas Bowl.

Hampshire reached 153-2, after losing the toss, from the 43 overs that were possible against a Surrey side missing the injured Chris Tremlett (back).

Adams was still there at the close, on 56 (165 balls, eight fours), and shared an opening stand of 66 in 17 overs with Michael Carberry, who looked in good touch before he was denied a half-century by an excellent Graeme Smith catch.

Former Surrey man Carberry hit two sixes – a flamboyant cut over backward point against Tom Curran and a pull against Matthew Dunn – during his 35 (59 balls, four fours).

But he got a nick against Curran which Smith held low down at first slip following a deflection off a glove of the diving Steven Davies.

Captain Adams lost his second partner when Liam Dawson, having been dropped by Davies off Curran on 19, was trapped lbw by Stuart Meaker with no addition to his score.

He added a further 49 in ten overs with James Vince, who contributed a run-a-ball 24 not out. But a poor forecast over the next three days will make it difficult for Hampshire to win their first home Championship game against Surrey since 1994.