Hampshire opener Michael Carberry marked his return to first-class cricket after being diagnosed with cancer by scoring a century against Cardiff MCCU at The Ageas Bowl today.

Carberry was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour last July and missed the second half of the 2016 season. He returned to training shortly before Christmas and was part of Hampshire’s pre-season tour to Barbados last month where he hit 58 and 68 against Notts and Northants respectively.

He also scored a 41-ball 78 in a T20 thrashing of Durham MCCU and 107 in an inter-squad friendly at The Ageas Bowl last week.

On the first day against Cardiff he opened the batting, scoring exactly 100 off 121 balls before falling to David O’Sullivan.

Last week, Carberry issued a statement thanking people for their support.

“I would like to thank my family, the club, the supporters and my team-mates worldwide for all the kind messages of support and love through another very tough time in my career and life,” he said.

Hampshire certainly needed his runs after they had dipped to 31-3.

Carberry’s fellow opener, Jimmy Adams, made just three and skipper James Vince was out for 22.

Then Tom Alsop - fresh from bagging a pair while playing for the MCC against Middlesex in Dubai - was out for his third successive duck, lasting just two balls.

Carberry found a willing partner in Sean Ervine, though, who struck 58 in a fourth wicket stand of 153. Liam Dawson contributed a breezy 45 - including the only six of the innings - before Hampshire were dismissed for 289.

They hit back well, reducing the visitors to 59-6 at the close.

West Indian Fidel Edwards - who missed most of last season through injury - struck twice in his first three overs, removing Matthew Norris and Neil Brand.

Asher Hart - signed from Durham during the winter and making his first class debut - also claimed two wickets.