Fergus O’Neill claimed four wickets as leaders Nottinghamshire piled more pressure on Hampshire’s out-of-form batting line-up.

Australian quick O’Neill picked up four for 32 as bottom-placed Hampshire were left 105 for six.

New overseas Delano Potgieter and Felix Organ improved the situation somewhat to reach 152 for six at stumps – with 50 overs lost in the day.

Hampshire have only picked up a single batting point – by reaching 251 against Yorkshire – so far this season and don’t look like grabbing any out of this match.

They have lost all but one of their five matches, two of which by an innings and all three at home. Things have been dire.

On the flip side, Nottinghamshire have bounced off their title-winning campaign to begin the 2026 season unbeaten, to sit top of the table.

The form guide was indicative of a rain-affected opening day at Utilita Bowl.

Australian O’Neill went wicketless in a bore-draw against Surrey last week but roared into action with a ferocious opening eight-over spell – after the visitors had chosen to bowl first.

He burst through the Hampshire top-order with figures of three for 14, which was interspersed with four maidens on the bounce.

Toby Albert was the first to depart when the Victorian speared one straight, full and into his pads.

Hampshire’s attempt to change their relegation form was to mix the batting order around. That included moving previous No.4 Fletcha Middleton to No.3. He tickled behind for a 14-ball duck.

Jake Lehmann had been on a heater with five fifties in a row, which was ended with a 27 at Essex. He only reached four before his Sheffield Shield rival O’Neill pinned him in front.

Lyndon James replaced O’Neill at the Rod Bransgrove Pavillion End and within three overs had Tom Prest – who had dropped to No.5 – wafting behind, before O’Neill returned after lunch to dislodge Nick Gubbins – who had stuck around for over two hours before nicking off.

Like Gubbins, captain Ben Brown took slightly more thought to dismiss, but England selected Josh Tongue carried out a short ball plan to compel a top edge to fine leg.

Another new ploy from Hampshire was to sign a new overseas. South African Codi Yusuf had proven impotent with the ball, so Delano Potgieter had been flown in.

The all-rounder showed his stickability either side of a length rain delay, and added a match-high 47 with Organ – the latter doing the bulk of the scoring.

Bad light eventually ended the day’s play at 18:30BST.