Tom Prest: "We Are Looking To Win The Competition"

Hampshire begin their 2021 Royal London Cup campaign at home this Thursday and exciting 18-year-old prospect Tom Prest cannot wait for the competition to get underway.

The promising batsman has been a bright spark throughout this summer's Vitality Blast campaign and is looking forward to the prospect of further white-ball opportunities.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it's another good opportunity to play some more first team games I’ve obviously had a taste of it, a couple of championship games and a few T20's.

“I think it's one of our strongest formats as a team obviously getting to two finals in a row, coming out on either side of the result on both occasions.

“We know what it’s like to win and we know what it's like to lose a final, but I think it should give us a lot of confidence going into this year, having got to those finals.”

The youngster has impressed so far this season, breaking into the first team following a sensational performance in a Second XI Championship match against Sussex in May. Prest batted for nine hours in that contest scoring an incredible 303 from 414 balls

The 18-year-old has made five Vitality Blast appearances since making his debut in July, featuring prominently in the Hawks' strong run of form to finish the competition, including a half-century in just his second appearance to seal a 10-run victory over Gloucestershire..

“I was really excited, obviously a few nerves as well, facing my first ball, it was nice to get off the mark and it was an unbelievable feeling to make my debut for Hampshire.

“I’ve shown glimpses of what I can do in one of the T20's already. So hopefully I can add to that and make a name for myself in the first team as well.

“I'd like to score a few runs, hopefully get a bowl as well show people what I can do with my off spin. So yeah, it's just really looking forward to get going and score a few hundreds or score a few runs.

Hampshire will be looking to continue their impressive run of form in this year's 50-over effort, and Prest is confident in the squad's ability to 

“We've got players like Lewis McManus, Joe Weatherley, as well Tommy Alsop with the bat, who are probably quite experienced in this format now.

“Obviously a few key players are missing, but we've got such a good squad here and good depth in it we should push for the title.”

“We are looking to win the competition or get to the finals, lifting the trophy in the end would be a great feeling.”

Catch Hampshire in action in cricket's original cup as they strive to reach their third consecutive 50-over final, starting at The Ageas Bowl from Thursday 22nd July against Essex Eagles.

All home Royal London Cup fixtures follow 19th July's easing of coronavirus restrictions, therefore tickets are available to purchase at the cheaper, advance rate until the day before the match.

For more information and to secure your tickets, please follow the link above or get in touch with our Ticketing Team via email on tickets@ageasbowl.com.

A range of hospitality packages are available for this summer's Royal London Cup matches, meaning you can enjoy the action in the ultimate style. For more information, pleasec click here.