Alan Mullally and John Francis are almost certain starters for the vital Norwich Union League match this Thursday, as Gloucestershire's Cheltenham College Cricket Festival gets under way.

Hampshire Hawks name the eleven that played in the disastrous defeat against Essex Eagles at Southend plus left-armer Mullally and batsman Francis as they face leaders Gloucestershire Gladiators.

The hosts have lost twice this season, including a 46-run reverse at the Rose Bowl back in May. But on the back of the events at Southend on Sunday, the Hawks will need to return a similar result if they are to hold any ambition to linking up with the promotion race.

Hampshire squad of 13: Neil Johnson, Derek Kenway, Dimitri Mascarenhas, John Crawley, Lawrence Prittipaul, John Francis, Giles White, Nic Pothas (w-k), Will Kendall (capt), Shaun Udal, Chris Tremlett, Alan Mullally, James Tomlinson.

© Hampshire Cricket