Robin Smith: The Judge Who Stood Tall In The Ashes
A masterful batter whose courage defined Ashes series and cemented his place in Hampshire & England history.
Hampshire Cricket is pleased to confirm that Chris Wood has signed a new contract, committing his future to the Club until the end of the 2026 season.
The left-arm seamer has been a cornerstone of Hampshire’s white-ball success for over a decade, establishing himself as the Club’s leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket. In the Vitality Blast alone, Wood has played 189 matches, taking an impressive 208 wickets at an average of 25.33, with best figures of 5/32. His ability to strike at key moments and maintain control under pressure has made him one of the most reliable bowlers in the competition.
We’ve been playing some great cricket recently, and with the quarter-finals up next in the Blast and 2026 just around the corner, it’s really exciting to continue with Hampshire. The Club has shown great faith in me, and I feel I’ve still got a big part to play in the team, and look forward to helping us build on our recent success.
Chris Wood
Woody has been a huge part of Hampshire for a long time and it’s great news that he’s extended his stay with the Club. His experience and consistency, particularly in white-ball cricket, have been invaluable for us over the years. He’s someone the younger players look up to, and having him around the squad for the next stage is a big boost.
T20 Captain - James Vince
Wood’s new deal underlines both his commitment to Hampshire and the Club’s ambition to keep building on its strong white-ball pedigree. With his experience and record-breaking stats, he will remain central to the team’s push for further success in the seasons ahead.
A masterful batter whose courage defined Ashes series and cemented his place in Hampshire & England history.
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