One Day Cup: Hampshire’s Young Guns

Hampshire’s player pathway and Academy system has given many young cricketers the opportunity to make the step up to the First XI over the years. This includes the likes of Club captain James Vince, Liam Dawson and Chris Wood – amongst many others.

With some senior players unavailable as a consequence of their involvement in The Hundred, the Metro Bank One Day Cup has offered plenty of youngsters the opportunity to impress. This was seen last year as a youthful side progressed to the semi-final stage.

We sat down with Charlie Freeston, Hampshire Cricket’s Head of Player Development, to take a closer look at three players looking to make an impact in 2023.

Joseph Eckland

DOB: 22/05/2004 (19-years-old)

Role: Wicket-Keeper Batter

Born in Yeovil, Somerset, Joseph Eckland is a wicket-keeper batter and a product of Hampshire’s Academy, having progressed through the age groups.

He has impressed at Second XI level over the last few years and this season has scored 638 runs in 17 matches (6 Second XI Championship matches & 11 Second XI T20s).

Eckland also has England Under 19 experience having played in a total of six ODIs during tours of Sri Lanka and Australia. Before the 2023 season, he signed a rookie contract at The Ageas Bowl.

CF: “Having really impressed in the later years of our pathway, Joseph earned himself a Rookie contract at the end of the 2022 season. He has become a valuable and popular member of the squad. Having put in some top performances in the 2nd team over the last couple of seasons he will be really be looking forward to his First XI opportunities in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. He’s a wicket-keeper batter with a cool head and a player who has finished games for the team on many occasions, including for the Young Lions last season.”

Dom Kelly

DOB: 01/10/2005 (17-years-old)

Role: Bowling All-Rounder

Another Hampshire Academy graduate, Dom Kelly is a bowling all-rounder with a lot of potential.

He made his First XI debut in a First-Class match against a Sri Lankan Development side, before making an appearance in last year’s 50-over competition during the win over Lancashire.

The 17-year-old has already made appearances for England Under 19s in all three formats and has become a valuable member of Hampshire’s Second XI this season.

CF: “A seam bowling all-rounder and a real competitor in all games, Dom will be relishing the opportunity to show his skills in a First XI environment. Having shown real promise from a young age, Dom has been a member of the Hampshire Academy for a number of years. He played for the Young Lions last season as a 16-year-old and quickly became a vital member of the starting 11. As a genuine all-rounder of real potential, all Hampshire fans will be excited to watch Dom over the coming years.”

Eddie Jack

DOB: 09/09/2005 (17-years-old)

Role: Fast Bowler

Eddie Jack is a fast bowler who has made the rise through Hampshire’s Academy after joining from Canford School.

He represented England Under 19s at both Test and ODI level, and has played for the Second XI this season. Most recently, Jack took five wickets during the Second XI Championship match against Somerset.

At just 17-years-old, there is plenty of excitement around the young quick.

CF: “Eddie has turned many heads this season with some genuine pace and quality. He travelled to Australia as a 16-year-old to represent the Young Lions, before making his Second XI debut this season across all formats and has now been given the chance to join the First XI for the Metro Bank One Day Cup. Eddie will bat down the order but can also strike a long ball when required. An exciting seamer who will scare batters up and down the country this season. Alongside Dom, Eddie will join up with the Young Lions squad on the completion of the 50 over tournament to take on Australia in 7 ODI’s and 2 Test matches.”