Currently second in the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One, Hampshire have started the season very well, particularly with the ball. They have not won the county championship since 1973; forty-nine years ago.
With twenty wickets already to his name, Keith Barker has certainly caught the eye. After taking 5-67 in the first innings against title rivals, Lancashire, the joint leading wicket taker in Division 1 helped his side to the draw and fourteen points.
In the field, Liam Dawson has taken an impressive eight catches. The right handed batsman has an average of 34.83 runs and one can expect this to be higher as the season progresses.
Nick Gubbins and Ben Brown have started well with the bat. Gubbins’ unbeaten first innings century off 211 balls was just about the highlight at the Ageas Bowl. Following up with 130 runs in the second innings, the left hander is recapturing the form that helped Middlesex to the championship title in 2016.
While it is still very early days in the LV= County Championship season, Hampshire have all the attributes to be contenders. The county cricket club will hope that a half-century without a championship win is never realized.
Hampshire meet Gloucestershire at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, on Thursday 5th May.