Surrey travel to Southampton to face Hampshire Hawks in their opening Vitality Blast South Group match of the 2024 season
Play will get underway at 7pm on the south coast – with the match available to watch on the Surrey Match Centre (via Hampshire’s YouTube channel).
Surrey’s social media channels will keep you up to date with proceedings at Southampton, with a report and highlights published at the end of play.
SURREY SQUAD
Ollie Pope will captain Surrey for the start of the Blast campaign.
The Three Feathers will be looking to win the T20 crown – having won the inaugural competition in 2003 at Trent Bridge. Last season, Surrey were defeated by eventual winners Somerset at the semi-final stage.
Overseas players: Sean Abbott (Australia), Spencer Johnson (Australia) – both available for first eight matches.
Finals Day appearances: Eight (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023)
Titles: One (2003)
2023 finish: Semi-finals
2023 leading run-scorer: Laurie Evans (563)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Sunil Narine (20)
HAMPSHIRE HAWKS
Captain: James Vince
Overseas players: Ben McDermott (Australia), Michael Neser (Australia, first eight matches), Ottniel Baartman (South African, last six matches and knockouts)
Finals Day appearances: Ten (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Titles: Three (2010, 2012, 2022)
2023 finish: Semi-finals
2023 leading runscorer: James Vince (670)
2023 leading wicket taker: Nathan Ellis (23)
Key winter moves: Nathan Ellis hasn’t been retained despite two glorious seasons, instead seamers Michael Neser and Ottniel Baartman – a two-time SA20 champion under Adi Birrell – share his place. Domestically, Ali Orr is in, Ross Whiteley and Aneurin Donald are out, while Scott Currie and Mason Crane are away on loan for now.
The big question: Can John Turner hit the same heights as last season? The uber-quick bowler began with a double wicket maiden, took 21 wickets at an average of 11.76 and an economy of 6.67, and ended with an England contract. Injuries have restricted him to three first-team matches since Finals Day though.
Wildcard watch: Joe Weatherley has more middle-order Blast runs than anyone since 2021, but hasn’t been kept on by the Southern Brave after two years of mostly carrying drinks. He could be a shrewd Vitality Wildcard pick, as could Chris Wood’s experience and Brad Wheal’s pace.
Final thought: The Hawks know how to get to Finals Day, and an 11th appearance, which would be a fourth in a row, is certainly the minimum requirement. There are deep depths to the batting – a run of Dawson, Howell, Fuller, Neser from six to nine is opulent, especially after Vince up top – and the bowlers have all bases covered, especially with the dynamic quick attack.
The Hawks have announced a 13-player squad for tomorrow’s match. They are: James Vince (C), Toby Albert, Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Nick Gubbins, Benny Howell, Eddie Jack, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Ali Orr, John Turner, Joe Weatherley and Chris Wood.
