Hampshire Academy squad extends to seven

Hampshire Academy 2003

The start of the new cricket season may still be four months away, but Hampshire's latest crop of Academy recruits are working hard at their game throughout the winter months.

Hampshire Second XI coach Tony Middleton has had his seven-strong group of prodigies training twice weekly at the Rose Bowl for the past six weeks.

"They don't just come to the Indoor School for practise net sessions," Middleton emphasised. "There is much more to it that that.

"In addition to a pretty strenuous fitness training routine, the learn about tactical awareness and the mental approach to the game - two kep elements of their development," he added.

Hampshire have recruited three newcomers to the Academy ranks - opening batsman Kevin Latouf from Bishop's Waltham, Calmore Sports opening bowler Matthew Metcalfe and promising Shanklin all-rounder David Griffiths.

They join second-year academy students David Wheeler, Luke Merry, Martin Bushell and Tom Burrows, who impressed Hampshire supporters in August when he came on as a substitute wicket-keeper against Yorkshire at the Rose Bowl.

"These seven youngsters are all focussed on a professional career in the game and have the potential to do well, provided they continue to work hard at their game," added Middleton.

All seven will play in the newly promoted Hampshire Academy team in the ECB Southern Electric Premier League this summer.