Match Preview: Hampshire v Warwickshire - Specsavers County Championship

Hampshire kick off their 2016 season by welcoming Warwickshire to the The Ageas Bowl to open proceedings in the 2016 Specsavers County Championship Division One.  

Hampshire Squad:

James Vince, Liam Dawson and Reece Topley return to Hampshire duties from the international scene. Fidel Edwards could make his first appearances for Hampshire this year after being named in the squad whilst 20-year old Tom Alsop has also been named in the 13-man squad. 

Gareth Berg, Jimmy Adams and Ryan Stevenson are all out injured for Hants and not in the squad. (See below for full injury update). 

The Opposition:

Former England batsman Ian Bell captains Warwickshire, posing a threat to the Hampshire bowlers with a wealth of county experience and 118 international caps under his belt. Chris Woakes – another player with international pedigree - is Warwickshire’s main bowling asset, having taken 34 Hampshire wickets previously.

Recent Form:

James Vince hit an unbeaten century in this fixture last season, as Hampshire won by 216 runs. Fidel Edwards took 9-87 to prevent Warwickshire’s middle order from adding crucial scores whilst leg-spinner Mason Crane picked up his maiden first-class five wicket haul during the match at the The Ageas Bowl.   

Last season, Warwickshire finished in 5^th position in Division One, two places and 23 points above Hampshire.

Did You Know?

• Michael Carberry made 102 in his first Hampshire innings against Warwickshire, at the The Ageas Bowl ten years ago

What The Team Say:

First Team Coach Dale Benkenstein said: “Cricket is a game of experience. I've heard a lot of coaches in the past talking about the balance and I'd like to think I've learned from it.

"Last season we had too many young players and too few good experienced players and that took its toll especially in the bowling. On paper we have an attack to do well but we have to go out and do it - we have as good as an attack as we could ask for coming into the first game."

Full Hampshire Squad:

 
Injury Update: 

Gareth Berg underwent knee surgery this week following an injury sustained in the pre-season. The procedure went well and he will undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation programme with the view to return to top flight cricket in 8-10 weeks.

Jimmy Adams is rehabilitating an ankle sprain which also occurred in the pre-season, he is progressing well and should be back in action in the next few weeks.

Ryan Stevenson is well on his way to returning from a lower back injury. He has worked hard over the winter improving his strength and physical capacity. He is back bowling, in the nets working on his technique, and will be available for selection next month.

Weather Forecast:

Coverage:

Live text commentary will be available via the Hampshire Cricket Twitter and Facebook pages. A feed to these will also be available on this page.

There will be ball-by-ball commentary available on BBC Radio Solent online at bbc.co.uk. 

Tickets:

Phone: 0844 847 1863