Ground: Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Captain: James Vince (CC/T20), Nick Gubbins (ODC)
2023 results: CC1: 3/10; ODC Runners-up; T20: Semi-finalists
Ins and Outs
> IN: Ali Orr (Sus), Ben McDermott, Michael Neser (both Aus, T20), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afg, T20)
< OUT: Aneurin Donald, Ross Whiteley (both DER), Scott Currie (Lei, loan), Jack Campbell (REL)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Across formats there is no more consistent county than Hampshire, as they showed last year by reaching T20 Finals Day and the 50-over final while also securing another third-place finish in the Championship. It is the fourday crown they covert most but which continues to elude one of the strongest red-ball sides in the club’s history. Time is running out for the famed pace attack that has been gulping down top-orders for three seasons now: Mohammad Abbas and Kyle Abbott are both in their mid-30s and out of contract after this season, while 37-year-old Keith Barker looks finally to be on the wane. Still, no batter will relish facing them in April. James Vince leads a powerful batting line-up, with Liam Dawson fresh from an extraordinary year which brought 840 runs and 49 wickets. Ali Orr, signed from Sussex, heads a talented group of young batters, with seamer John Turner already on England’s radar. Ben McDermott returns for the Blast – his third straight T20 campaign on the south coast – and forms part of a powerful overseas trio including Michael Neser and Naveen-ul-Haq.
THE VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX KEVAN JAMES, BBC RADIO SOLENT
2023 was a very consistent summer for Hampshire cricket but without reward, although they came mightily close in all competitions. Third in the County Championship was exactly where they finished in 2022. They got close to defending their T20 crown, losing in the semi-finals. They lost in the final of the 50 over competition to Leicester in a game they really should have won. 2024 promises more of the same although a trophy to show for it would be nice. The Championship bowling attack will rely once more on Kyle Abbott, Mo Abbas and Keith Barker. Age though is catching up with this trio and this will probably be the last summer that we see them all together. Fortunately the rapid emergence of John Turner means a hand over should go smoothly.
TWO TO LOOK OUT FOR
Batter Fletcha Middleton will be expected to ‘kick on’ after a promising debut season and he will be joined at the top of the order by Ali Orr, after his winter move from Sussex. Orr is a shrewd signing. Although still young and with not too much top level cricket behind him, his numbers are impressive. The opening partnership has been one area that Hampshire have been keen to strengthen and they will hope this piece of the jigsaw has been completed. Look out for these two young players, they are my tip to make Hampshire even stronger in 2024.
WHAT WOULD SUCCESS L
