Match Preview: Essex Eagles v Hampshire Hawks & Sussex Sharks v Hampshire Hawks, Vitality Blast

Hampshire Hawks will look to bounce back from an opening day Vitality Blast defeat when they contest back-to-back away fixtures against Essex Eagles and Sussex Sharks on Friday and Saturday respectfully.

The Hawks stumbled to a 38-run defeat against Kent Spitfires on Wednesday but will be hoping to put in two positive performances to round out the competition's opening week against Simon Harmer's and Luke Wright's men.

Hampshire Squad:

A 15-man squad has been announced for both fixtures.

Exciting 18-year-old Academy product Tom Prest and experienced seamer Ryan Stevenson are included in the travelling party for the first time this season.

Australia batsman D’Arcy Short made his Hawks debut on Friday, making a promising start at the top of the order alongside James Vince, and the duo will be important to the side's chances of claiming a positive result in both contests.

Mason Crane starred with the ball in Wednesday's curtain-raiser - the leg-spinner picked up 3-23 in his spell - alongside Liam Dawson and Chris Wood who also impressed in the Spitfires' innings, and they'll once again lead the bowling group.

Full Hampshire Squad:

Fan Attendance:

Hampshire Hawks' Vitality Blast matches against Essex Eagles at Chelmsford and Sussex Sharks at Hove will have a restricted fan attendance with a limited number of supporters attending the fixtures.

Coverage:

A live stream will be available for the matches and a link to this stream will be available in the free-to-download Hampshire Cricket App and at www.ageasbowl.com/cricket.

Both the Hampshire Cricket App and www.ageasbowl.com/cricket will also host live match centres with scorecard, statistics and insight available throughout.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link to view the latest weather forecast for Chelmsford: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2653266 

Please follow the link to view the latest weather forecast for Hove: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646504