Yates savours century as Bears enjoy dominant second day against Hampshire

Rob Yates is hoping Warwickshire can make their dominance pay after he struck a brilliant century on day two of their Rothesay County Championship fixture against Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl.

2026-09-04T09:00+01:00

The left-handed opener played a crucial role in the Bears reaching 398 in their first innings, before their bowling unit made inroads, leaving Hampshire 74 for six as Warwickshire look to earn a fourth win of the season to remain in title contention in Division One.

Yates’ 109 was his first First-Class hundred since April last year, and he was delighted to get over the line having been close on several occasions since.

“It was a pretty good day,” he said. “We'd have snapped your hand off for that this morning. We are happy where we lie tonight.

"It was pleasing to get over the line as I've been close a few times since my last one. It feels like a while, and I had to work hard for it.

“We kept talking about building partnerships on a pitch where it is harder to start.”

Yates’ partnership of 148 with Dan Mousley (77) and then 94 with Sam Hain (90) helped propel the Bears to a strong total in Southampton, before the Bears’ bowling attack impressed in the final session of day two.

Ethan Bamber and Chris Woakes both picked up a wicket apiece, while the returning Manav Suthar (2-27) took two wickets with his left arm off spin and Olly Hannon-Dalby (2-7) struck twice late on as the Bears ended day two with a 324-run first innings lead.