It’s time to return to the County Championship with the Royal London One-Day Cup finalists decided after a feast of white-ball cricket over the last few weeks.
In the first match of a batch of County championship action, Hampshire will visit Edgbaston to take on Warwickshire in what will be three back-to-back matches for the hosts.
Warwickshire, who sit bottom of Division One, will be looking to post their first victory in the Championship as their solitary game ended in a defeat to Kent.
They are a side missing from key players and are putting faith in youthful talent to pull them through a tricky period.
Hampshire have just come off the back of their win against Lancashire to book their place in the RLODC Lord’s final so will be brimming with confidence and looking to bring that through to the County Championship and up to Birmingham.
They currently lie in 4th place in Division One after coming out victorious against Essex, but falling short against Yorkshire so far in their campaign.
Key Men
For Hampshire, Fidel Edwards, the veteran fast bowler from the West Indies who adds to the Kolpak contingent at Hampshire is key to the bowling attack. In Hampshire’s first championship game, he took eight wickets in the match, picking up a five-fer in the first innings to take the game away from Essex in the early stages. His pace and skill combined give Hampshire a threatening attack and, even though he might be reaching the end of his career, he still provides plenty of talent on the field.
Warwickshire will be hoping that opener Dom Sibley can show his class. He formed a very successful opening partnership with Will Rhodes last season and they are reunited after the RLODC. Sibley scored a glorious century against Kent, but that wasn’t enough to get Warwickshire a win. There is no doubt that his talent at the top of the order is crucial for Warwickshire as they go into the next round of championship fixtures.
Squad News
Warwickshire: The squad currently is missing a few players from its highest quality side due to various injuries. Ian Bell remains sidelined with a foot injury and Sam Hain is struggling with a knee injury. Liam Norwell and Aaron Thomason have been featuring for the seconds recently, but it is not known when they will be back for the first team.
Henry Brookes was resting a back niggle a week ago, but has been cleared to play again as has Adam Hose, who returns to the squad after hurting his thumb. 19 year old Robert Yates has been named in the squad, and could be about to make his first class debut.
Warwickshire squad: Jeetan Patel (C), Tim Ambrose (Wicket-Keeper), Liam Banks, Henry Brookes, Olly Hannon-Dalby, Adam Hose, Craig Miles, George Panayi, Will Rhodes, Dom Sibley, Alex Thomson, Robert Yates
Hampshire: James Vince is with the England team for the one-day international’s against Pakistan. He was released for their RLODC semi-final against Lancashire, however it is thought he will join back up with the international squad. Sam Northeast steps in to captain in his place.
Hampshire squad: Sam Northeast (c), Kyle Abbott, Oli Soames, Liam Dawson, Gareth Berg, Ian Holland, Keith Barker, Tom Alsop, Rilee Rossouw, Joe Weatherley, Mason Crane, Fidel Edwards, Aneurin Donald
Form
Warwickshire: LWDWD
Hampshire: LWLDW
Weather & Conditions
As we slowly approach the summer months, the sunshine looks set to make an appearance for the first two days on the game before cloud takes over.
The pitch at Edgbaston should be as high quality as always, offering something for both bat and ball which will help to produce a good quality competition between the two sides.
Date: 14th May – 17th May 2019
Time: 11am
Ground: Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Odds (SkyBet): Warwickshire 1/1, Hampshire 4/5
