Overseas batsman Hashim Amla helped steer Nottinghamshire to 396-8 with a fluent century on debut at Trent Bridge.

Amla’s knock of 129 included 19 fours having reached 36 in boundaries before registering his first single. He was eventually stumped by Geraint Jones having lifted the back foot attempting a defensive stroke but was given a standing ovation as he left the field.

Fellow new boy Neil Edwards also shone with a confident 85, helping to rebuild the innings in tandem with Amla following the dismissals of Bilal Shafayat (4) and Mark Wagh who was caught at slip for a second ball duck.

Samit Patel and Ali Brown were removed in quick succession leaving Chris Read to press on with Amla. Read contributed 62 to a partnership of 125 before he was run out having called for a quick single.

“Today’s knock was the first I’ve had with Hashim but we knew that we had to try and bat for a long time having lost two quick wickets,” said Edwards, playing in his first LV= County Championship match since 2008.

"Hopefully we’re playing on result pitches and we can make a good start from here.”

“I felt good out there and it’s pleasing to get some runs on the board. I was pretty confident in my technique and ability to do well here but a good start can make a big difference and although I’m a bit disappointed not to have got my hundred, I would have taken 85 this morning.

“The ball did a little bit early on but we got through that and built an innings. Hopefully we’re playing on result pitches and we can make a good start from here.”

Paul Franks and Luke Fletcher will resume for Nottinghamshire on day two.