At least one Hampshire batsman has shown good form here in South Africa. A visit to Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town to see the Western Province match against Lancashire, allowed me to witness a sparkling 107 runs by Neil Johnson. He stroked the ball to all parts of the grounds. A powerfull hitter he should enjoy particularly the one-day contests. His bowling was absent due to a slight niggle in his ankle.

Johnson also hit a century against the visiting Yorkshire team just two days prior to this match.

Johnson joins his new Hampshire team mates for the two one-day matches being played this weekend, has already visited the hotel. This friendly Zimbabwean is looking forward to returning to England, he played for Zimbabwe in the two tests and the Nat West One Day International series in 2000 season.