Hampshire captain Dimi Mascarenhas has challenged his batsmen to bounce back from last night’s defeat to Middlesex in the Friends Life t20 competition.

Jimmy Adams was well set after Mascarenhas chose to bat on the track used for Saturday’s one-day international.

But he departed for 25 and Neil McKenzie, Sean Ervine and Michael Carberry all failed to reach double figures as Hampshire were restricted to 157-6. The Royals are next in action at home to Kent on Friday.

Mascarenhas said: “This was our first game but there are no excuses, we were 20 runs short on a beautiful wicket.

“Unfortunately Jimmy got out soon after getting himself in and we just couldn’t come back from losing those early wickets.

“We know how to play t20 games, it’s just a matter of the top order knuckling down. The next two days are a good chance to get in the nets. The batters are experienced and will be knuckling down.”

The one positive last night was James Vince’s 64 not out. Mascarenhas added: “Vincey paced his innings beautifully, it’s one of the better innings I’ve seen from him in t20 games.”

Dawid Malan and Paul Stirling also enjoyed the surface, putting on 107 in 13 overs for Middlesex’s third wicket.

“I thought our bowling and fielding was very good but Malan played beautifully,” added Mascarenhas. “Stirling had a bit of luck but chanced his arm with a couple of good sixes.”

Full match report in today's Daily Echo