White named as Hampshire head coach

Craig White, the former England allrounder, has been named as Hampshire's new head coach, following the departure of Dale Benkenstein midway through the 2016 season.

White, 46, made his name at Yorkshire in an 18-year first-class career that included more than 12,000 runs and 395 wickets, and played 30 Tests and 51 ODIs for England between 1994 and 2003.

He joined Hampshire as assistant and bowling coach in 2012, and was handed the reins for the final six matches of their County Championship campaign in 2016. Although he was unable to prevent their relegation, the club was handed a reprieve when the ECB sanctioned Durham for receiving financial support, and sent them down to Division Two instead.

"I'm flattered and honoured," White told BBC Radio Solent. "It's a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started in the job."

"I was thrust into the job and I really enjoyed it. It was something I didn't think I was quite ready for. Maybe another two or three years learning the trade might have been the right time.

"But when [director of cricket] Giles White mentioned would I take on the job full-time, I said I would. I think some big names applied, so to be given the job permanently is a great honour."

"Craig has been an integral part of the coaching set-up for a few years now," said Giles White. "He has experience, a great understanding of the game and is respected by everyone here at Hampshire. For all those reasons he is the ideal person to take on this important role."