Ervine Ready for T20 Action Against Dorset

Limited overs captain Sean Ervine believes Hampshire can overcome their injury troubles to achieve success in this year’s Natwest T20 Blast, ahead of the team’s warm-up against Dorset on Thursday.

33-year-old Ervine is set to captain Hampshire against neighbours Dorset at Bashley CC, as the team prepare for their first home T20 against Kent on 2^nd June, with James Vince selected to play in England’s Test series with Sri Lanka.

The Zimbabwean all-rounder is looking forward to some white-ball action, after missing two Specsavers County Championship matches through a hand injury, having reached T20 finals day for six consecutive seasons during a purple patch for Hampshire in the short format.

“It’s a huge record for us to keep going,” Ervine said. “It’s difficult with all the injuries but we’ll fight through it.''

“I’m excited to play against Dorset - it should be a good day out.”

Ervine held the highest strike rate of any batsman – hitting 25 off 12 balls – when Hampshire defeated Dorset at Dean Park, Bournemouth in the same fixture last May, and is excited to see what the players can produce this time out.

Dorset will pose a challenge following a four-wicket victory at Oxfordshire on Sunday, high on confidence after securing their first Unicorns Knockout Trophy quarter-final in four years.

Ervine said: “It’s brilliant for the surrounding areas to see us play against their local guys, and it’s a good chance for us to have a run out.

“It’s a real opportunity for some of our players to put their hand up and make a name for themselves, before the two main guys arrive next week.

“For Dorset, it’s their big match – they get a lot out of playing us – and it’s a brilliant spectacle for the community.”

Hampshire T20 team to face Dorset on Thursday 19 May (Bashley CC, 5pm start): Carberry, Adams, Wheater, Ervine, Dawson, McLaren, Smith, Andrew, Stevenson, Crane, Best.