“I did expect to play more” Tom Alsop on his season so...

“I did expect to play more” Tom Alsop on his season so far

As rain ruined the day's proceedings at the Ageas Bowl, Tom Alsop spoke to DEC's Brad Adams.

Hampshire batsman Tom Alsop says he is disappointed with how little first-team cricket he has played in so far this season.

The 21-year-old featured in all of the club’s Royal London One-Day Cup matches but has played just one Specsavers County Championship match, scoring 40 against Yorkshire.

New signings Rilee Rossouw and George Bailey meant that Alsop has been pushed to the fringes after playing much of last season, but he understands why.

He said: “I did [expect to play more] but when you sign someone with the quality of Rilee Rossouw and George Bailey as well, you’ve got to sum up that it’s probably better for the club with those signings.

“That’s frustrating for me, but it also makes me even more hungry and motivated to do well and get back in the side.

“It’s been quite tough at times especially when you see others playing and you feel like all you want to do is play and do well and win games for Hampshire.”

Batsman Joe Weatherley is currently on loan at Kent, and Alsop has considered utilising the system in place to get first-team cricket if he cannot at Hampshire.

“Ideally, I’d be playing for Hampshire – I love playing for Hampshire and I want to play for Hampshire – but obviously ultimately me as a cricketer, my goal would be to play for England.

“I think you can only do that by performing and doing well in first-class cricket, first-team cricket, and obviously I just want to be playing that.”

Alsop spoke after umpires decided no play would be possible between Hampshire and Surrey at The Ageas Bowl due to rain.

Persistent showers continued until an hour after the scheduled start, giving some hope of play.

But a 4.15pm inspection – and the slow removal of covers – was interrupted by a heavy shower that meant the match was abandoned a few minutes later.

Hampshire had lost their previous two games – to Sussex and Kent, respectively – while Surrey had won their last two and sat top of the South Group.

“Today we wanted to try and get back on track after two losses but very frustrating that the weather’s got in the way,” said Alsop.

“We went off like a train at the start of the competition and [then] had two blips and we wanted to get back on track today.”

They must now wait until Wednesday, and a trip to Taunton, to resume winning ways, but Hampshire have never won a T20 match at the ground.

“Somerset are a very good side and when they play at home as well, I think their home advantage is massive.

“I think the positive thing is that I don’t think all the batters have quite fired either.

“So someone like Rilee, if he gets going -everyone sees what he does at international level as well as that knock earlier in the season at Taunton – so if our batters fire then it’s pretty exciting.”

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