Omari Banks pushed his claims for a new contract as he took three wickets on the first day of Somerset's County Championship match with Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

Hampshire made 286-4 after winning the toss under cloudy skies thanks to Jimmy Adams' 113 not out – his third century of the season.

Somerset have not yet decided whether to offer the former West Indies off-spinner a new deal when his contract expires at the end of next month.

Banks arrived at Taunton in April 2008 on a British passport with a big reputation after his 10 Tests and five one-day internationals.

There was even talk of the Anguillan qualifying to play for England, but he has struggled to hold down a place in Somerset's side.

An unrelenting work ethic has endeared Banks to captain Justin Langer and day one against Hampshire was his best day so far.

After a wicketless first session, Banks saw Adams dropped by Langer at slip off his bowling when he was on 47. Adams powerfully cut a short ball that struck the tough Australian in the head via his hand. Langer did not require treatment.

Banks had better luck later when he turned one back into former Wiltshire all-rounder Liam Dawson, who was opening for Hampshire for the first time.

The teenager had been untroubled but inexplicably played no shot and was sent on his way leg before wicket for 55.

Michael Lumb then lived a charmed life, but he fell on 68 when he nicked an off-break from Banks to first slip Marcus Trescothick, who held the sharp chance at the third attempt.

Charl Willoughby's 40th wicket of the season saw youngster James Vince fend at a ball the left-armer slanted across him to first slip for four.

And 235-1 had become 249-4 when former Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Ervine stepped back and pulled Banks to the wide mid-on boundary, only to over-balance and tread on his leg stump.

Hampshire are in the box seat, with Pakistan leg-spinner Imran Tahir no doubt relishing the chance to bowl in the fourth innings. But Somerset CCC deserve credit for sticking to their task when conditions were against them.

Meanwhile, Trescothick is backing the move to scrap 50-over cricket next season. The Somerset vice-captain believes that by retaining a 40-over competition, the England and Wales Cricket Board has kept the best format of the limited-overs game.

"It could be argued that the forms of cricket played at domestic level should match those that are played at international level, but the 40-over format is my favourite form of limited overs cricket," said Trescothick.

"Forty-over cricket provides a better balance and still allows for a batsman to create a significant innings. We also enjoy playing in front of big crowds, which is what you get with the 20- and 40-over formats."