Ryan McLaren: "Laughter Is The Key" 

Ryan McLaren has revealed that laughter has been the secret to keeping high-spirited during a challenging season for Hampshire’s first team.

A close connection has been forged between players and staff at the The Ageas Bowl, where a joke is told on each morning of play by a different member of the Hampshire cricket family. It has now become a regular feature of the warm-up.

McLaren believes morale will be key for Hampshire as they fight for survival in Specsavers County Championship Division One, having made strong contributions to an essential four-match unbeaten run in the competition.

“It's something that we started a month or so ago now,” McLaren explained. “It began with us just sparking a bit of laughter in the morning, and then it spread to all the staff around the ground.

“For us, it’s great to have some humour before going out and warming up in the morning - hopefully it’s making everyone feel like part of the family.

“The boys have been really positive this season – there’s never been a bad atmosphere in the dressing room - but this has really helped lighten the mood during a difficult summer for the team.”

McLaren, who has taken 30 wickets and scored 719 runs in the Championship this season, admitted that some of the jokes have been better than others.

“We’ve had a few belters and a few bad ones too,” McLaren said. “I recall Mason Crane telling the worst - his didn’t go down very well.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed contributing with ball and bat for Hampshire this season, even though I’d have liked a few more wickets. Batting higher up the order has been a great opportunity for me and as an all-rounder it’s satisfying to apply yourself fully.

“The focus has always been on where the team sits though and personal milestones ultimately don’t matter.

“We’ll maintain our closeness going into the last couple of games, and we’ll give it our absolute best to make sure Hampshire stay in Division One.”

Words: Sam Fletcher