Match Preview: Hampshire v Sussex Sharks - Vitality Blast

Hampshire begin their 2019 Vitality Blast campaign this Friday as Sussex Sharks visit the The Ageas Bowl for the opening instalment of ‘el clasicoast’ action in this year’s T20 competition.

Hampshire Squad:

A 14-man squad has been named for this week’s curtain-raiser with a number of changes heading into the second white-ball competition of the summer, following five consecutive Specsavers County Championship fixtures during June & July.

England’s World Cup winning pair James Vince and Liam Dawson are both available for selection for the first time since May with Vince set to captain the side.

South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris is in line to make his Hampshire debut against Sussex Sharks, whilst Aneurin Donald will make his first T20 appearance for Hampshire if featuring on Friday.

The Opposition:

South coast rivals Sussex Sharks arrive at the The Ageas Bowl fresh off a fantastic 2018 campaign, one which saw them reach their second ever T20 final following quarter-final and semi-final wins against Durham and Somerset respectively.

Following disappointing 2016 and 2017 campaigns which ended in Sharks bowing out in the group stage, Ben Brown’s side flourished last year with England’s World Cup star Jofra Archer, overseas spin star Rashid Khan and T20 specialist Tymal Mills all contributing.

That trio are likely to be crucial to their chances of repeating that success this season, alongside the ever-reliable Luke Wright and Laurie Evans in the top order.

See what Hampshire young gun Aneurin Donald has to say looking ahead to Friday's derby match in the video below.

Full Hampshire Squad:

Coverage:

Live ball-by-ball coverage and match highlights will be available via the Hampshire Cricket App and at ageasbowl.com/cricket. 

There will be ball-by-ball commentary available on BBC Radio Solent online at bbc.co.uk. The match will also be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for The Ageas Bowl: http://ow.ly/O85t30p4xiB

Tickets:

Tickets for Friday’s ‘el clasicoast’ clash against Sussex Sharks at the The Ageas Bowl can be purchased online: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/ageasbowl, via the Hampshire Cricket App, over the phone on 0844 847 1863, or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office via normal working hours.