Hampshire return to Frizzell County Championship action at Old Trafford with several changes to the side that played Lancashire 10 days earlier, sustaining a bad defeat and the loss of eight points for a poor report on the wicket.

Robin Smith is still recovering from chicken pox, and John Crawley is on England Test duties.

Alex Morris is drafted in to the twelve, having last played in the opening match of the season at Canterbury, before back problems. Morris will play as a batsman only, after good contributions in the 2nd XI. Jason Laney is included following his brave 71 in the NUL match on Tuesday, as well as large second XI scores.

Giles White, Derek Kenway and Lawrence Prittipaul are all absent, playing for the second string after a number of disappointing scores.

Tim Tremlett, Hampshire Cricket's Director of Cricket, was delighted that Jason Laney has shown some form, and says he deserves his chance. "We are desperate for points, to recover from our perilous relegation threatened position," Tremlett said. "We must put the last couple of weeks behind us".

Hampshire Twelve: Will Kendall (captain), Jason Laney, John Francis, Neil Johnson, Nic Pothas, Adi Aymes (wicket-keeper), Alex Morris, Shaun Udal, Chris Tremlett, Alan Mullally and James Tomlinson.

© Hampshire Cricket