Match Preview: Hampshire v Essex - Specsavers County Championship

Hampshire’s 2019 season get underway tomorrow as Specsavers County Championship action returns to the The Ageas Bowl for the first time this year. Essex are the opponents for the opening four-day contest with Hampshire looking to get off to a flying start to begin the campaign.

Hampshire Squad:

A 13-man squad has been named for this week’s first fixture, with a handful of new faces in contention to make their first Championship appearance for James Vince’s side.

New recruits Keith Barker and James Fuller have had a positive pre-season and are both included, whilst overseas batsman Aiden Markram is in line to make his Hampshire debut after arriving at the The Ageas Bowl earlier this week.

Fresh from their off-season exploits, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Dawson and Kyle Abbott are all available. James Vince is expected to continue in his opening role after a successful pre-season at the top of the order.

The Opposition:

After claiming the Division One title in 2017, Essex enjoyed a positive follow-up campaign last season finishing third in the top-tier. Seven victories from their 14 matches ensured they remained competitive in title hunt – although Surrey held top-spot in dominant fashion throughout – and they’ll be hoping for another strong showing again this year.

Sir Alastair Cook, England’s all-time leading run-scorer who announced his international retirement last summer, returns this season and will be available for all domestic fixtures for the first time in more than a decade - the left-hander will be a key figure at the top of the order.

Seamer Jamie Porter enjoyed another excellent year last summer, following up his 75-wicket 2017 season with a 58-wicket haul in 2018 and he’ll no doubt be crucial to their chances again this year.

Did You Know?

• Kyle Abbott averages an outstanding 13.51 with the ball in first-class matches against Essex, taking 27 wickets including four five-wicket hauls in five fixtures.
• James Vince’s 962 runs in the County Championship last year saw him finish fourth in list of top Division One run-getters.
• Kyle Abbott claimed superb figures of 5-90 in the first-innings of Hampshire’s last four-day fixture against Essex.

Full Hampshire Squad:

Coverage:

Match updates will be available via the Hampshire Cricket social media channels, whilst ball-by-ball coverage and match highlights will be available at ageasbowl.com/cricket.

There will be ball-by-ball commentary available on BBC Radio Solent online at bbc.co.uk.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for the The Ageas Bowl: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/gcp19y6c9

If you are unsure on the latest situation with the weather at the ground, you can call our Match Day Information Line (recorded message) on 023 8047 5662.

Tickets:

Tickets for all four days of Hampshire’s match against Essex at the The Ageas Bowl can be purchased online via the link below, over the phone on 0844 847 1863, or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office via normal working hours.

Phone: 0844 847 1863