Hampshire give First-class debut to Andrew Sexton

Hampshire give a first-class debut to 20 year old left-hand batsman Andrew Sexton, for the PPP healthcare County Championship match against Durham at Basingstoke. Sexton a local Southampton born player who playes for Bashley in the Southern Premier Cricket League is the surprise selection, as Hampshire look to get out of the rut of low scores.

Will Kendall is named in the squad and should play, despite a small hand injury in the National League game last Sunday, Jason Laney stands by in case he fails a last minute fitness test. Also facing a fitness test is Peter Hartley, but Dimitri Mascarenhas is expected to play.

Hampshire meet Durham at Mays Bounty, two sides struggling in the championship this season, and the match marks the last time Hampshire will play at the ground, as they leave three first class grounds (Basingstoke, US Portsmouth and the County Ground, Southampton) to play all their cricket at The Hampshire Rose Bowl in 2001.

The Hampshire 12 is: Andrew Sexton, Giles White, Will Kendall (or Jason Laney), Robin Smith (c), Derek Kenway, Adi Aymes (wk), Dimitri Mascarenhas, Shane Warne, Shaun Udal, Peter Hartley, Alan Mullally and Simon Francis.