Former West Indies pacer Fidel Edwards grabbed three wickets to help Hampshire to a crushing innings and 87 run win against Essex in their 2019 County Championship campaign which got underway today.

The visitors Essex began the final day at the Ageas bowl on 132 for following-on, still 229 runs behind Hampshire’s mammoth first-innings score of 525 for 8 declared.

Edwards grabbed 3 for 49 and helped removed visiting captain Ryan ten Doeschate for 36.

But Ravi Boparai later resisted with a patient 107 and Simon harmer a half century62 before Essex folded at 274 all out.

Hampshire, on the other hand, were outstanding from start to finish and take the maximum 24 points.

Essex now visit title holders surrey, with play starting on Thursday, while Hampshire host Yorkshire.