HAMSPHIRE'S new look opening partnership began with a 99-run stand against Glamorgan in Cardiff - but it was not the first time that Michael Brown and Jimmy Adams had batted together.

Left-hander Adams and Brown are set to continue at the top of the order together against Essex at the Rose Bowl tomorrow, with Derek Kenway set to bat at five.

And Brown reckons the change is best for everyone.

He said: "I've played with and against Jimmy, and we have opened together once before - in a one-day match for British Universities against a West Indies A side that included Reon King, Jermaine Lawson and Tino Best.

"I also played a three-day game with him when I was keeping wicket and batting at six.

"It's a shame that we didn't get the extra run for our hundred partnership in Cardiff but it should work well.

"When Kenners first came on the scene he batted at four or five, he became an opener out of necessity, and with Jimmy being a left hander it helps mess up the bowlers' lines and lengths as well."

Hampshire will choose from a squad of 12 when they take on Essex in the Rose Bowl's penultimate four-day match of the season.

Seamer Billy Taylor has been added to the side that beat Glamorgan, while Chris Tremlett is confident of recovering in time to face the Surrey Lions in the totesport National League next Monday.

Hampshire (from): Brown, Adams, Crawley, Clarke, Kenway, Pothas, Mascarenhas, Warne, Udal, Bruce, Mullally, Taylor.