The absence of Derek Kenway, whose broken toe is still troubling him, and Alan Mullally playing the fourth test at Headingley, has weakened the Hampshire team to face Durham in the CricInfo Championship Division Two starting on Friday (17th August).

Robin Smith the Hampshire captain, talking to the Hampshire Web Master was however upbeat over their chances. "This two division concept" said Smith, "has made every game we play a cup final. Losing Kenway, who has had a superb season for this match, is a blow, and although delighted for big Alan Mullally playing for England at Headingley, he will certainly be missed. However we are optimistic, having lost two vital one day matches here at Riverside this season, we have more than one reason to turn the tables".

Hampshire select from thirteen, with the final eleven decided just before the match. Lawrence Prittipaul is left out after a spate of bad form. Chris Tremlett is suffering from sore shins and will face a late fitness test. John Francis and James Schofield, who excelled in his first-class debut against the Australians, are in the squad, both if selected would be making their Championship debuts.

Hampshire 13: Giles White, Jason Laney, Will Kendall, Robin Smith (captain), Neil Johnson, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Adi Aymes (w/k), Shaun Udal, Alex Morris, Chris Tremlett, John Francis, James Hamblin, James Schofield.

© Hampshire CCC