Book tickets to the various music and other events hosted at Utilita Bowl
Visit Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl's online store to get your hands on official replica and supporter kit as well as a range of other merchandise.
England all-rounder David Willey is excited to take on Pakistan at the The Ageas Bowl
England all-rounder David Willey can’t wait to kick off England’s much-anticipated ODI series with Pakistan at the The Ageas Bowl on 24th August.
Willey cited the home of Hampshire Cricket as a “fantastic cricket venue”, having been impressed with the ground’s atmosphere and first-rate facilities when playing in England’s T20 victory over Sri Lanka in July.
The 26-year-old Yorkshire player believes Pakistan have real ability and thinks the ODI series could see a talented England side seriously tested by the visitors.
“There’s always a great atmosphere at the The Ageas Bowl and it’s a fantastic cricket venue. It was a real experience being part of the T20 game here,” Willey said.
“There’s some great wickets here and it looks superb when the sun’s out – fingers crossed we’ll have some good weather.
“It’s set up to be a really interesting series against Pakistan. I think they’ll pose more of a challenge than Sri Lanka and we’ll relish the competition. Mohammad Amir is a big threat and they have a wealth of quality bowlers.
Since making his ODI debut in May 2015, Willey has taken 29 wickets in 18 matches, and bowling figures of 4-34 in England's latest 50-over match against Sri Lanka in July showed what a crucial component he can be.
“We have some great bowlers, but I actually think England’s main strength going into the series against Pakistan is our batting," Willey said. "People don’t know what a good score is against us.
"It's a fairly young group of guys and we’re encouraged to attack and play our own style of cricket - you'll see that in the ODI series.
“I think in our practise – whether football or in the nets – there’s a very competitive spirit in the camp and then we all unite on the field. It’s healthy and it helps you develop your cricket.
Willey played alongside Hampshire duo James Vince and Liam Dawson in England's last appearance at the The Ageas Bowl - a memorable T20 victory over Sri Lanka - and he has been particularly impressed with how the pair have integrated into the squad.
"It’s great working alongside James and Liam - they’re both extremely talented players and they’ve done well since joining the set up. They’re competitive, ambitious guys.
"It was a superb debut for Liam – he works very hard and he's earned his opportunity. Hopefully, that match was the first of many successful games for England."
Words: Sam Fletcher
The Ageas Bowl recently released a third phase of additional seating to cater for the demand for tickets to England's series-opening Royal London ODI against Pakistan.
The tickets that remain for this fixture are priced from £60 for Adults and £25 for Under 17s.
