HAMPSHIRE coach Dale Benkenstein slammed his side for “fundamental mistakes” after they were bowled out for 219 at The Ageas Bowl.

Jimmy Adams (61), Will Smith (32), Tom Alsop (37) and Michael Carberry (29) guided Hampshire to 184-3 before they lost six wickets for just 11 runs.

Hampshire’s latest first-innings failure comes follows totals of 202, 453-9, 109, 270 and 131 in the Specsavers County Championship this season.

Both sides wanted to bat first so the toss took place before an Ageas Bowl Championship match for the first time this season.

But after an encouraging start, including an opening stand of 89 between Adams and Smith, Hampshire collapsed against Jamie Overton (5-42) before bad light ended play with Somerset on 66-1.

Benkenstein said: “The wicket was very dry, evenly paced and flat - we’re probably 250 short.

“The first session was the best I’ve seen for a while and we had another partnership going with Alsop and Carbs.

“But we keep doing fundamental mistakes. We should know by now not to give sides opportunities. We were really on top but some really loose shots opened the door.

“Once they got back in they bowled well and Jamie Overton bowled really well, but started off with a floaty half-volley that was hit to cover.

“They got a sniff like good bowlers do. Jamie Overton has got international ability and he took advantage of our mistakes. We made basic errors and played very weak cricket.

“We gave the game away. If we keep doing that that’s down to the desire and understanding of how important your wicket is in four-day cricket.

“From my point of view you’d hope they would learn you can’t keep saying it. For me that’s a bit of a worry.”

Benkenstein confirmed that Adam Wheater was dropped in favour of Lewis McManus, who is making his third Championship appearance and his first since his heroics secured a crucial draw against Durham last July.

“We want to give Lewis a good run,” continued Benkenstein.

“We’ve had 251 extras in six matches and three points docked for a slow over rate.

“We need Lewis behind the stumps to put more energy into the field and between the wickets.

“Every time he’s played he’s shown good character. I’ve given Adam a long run and he’s batting really well.

“I see him pushing guys in the top order but he doesn’t see himself as a batter. With the gloves he's not what we need right now."