Derek Kenway has reversed his verbal decision to leave the county, being prepared to battle to regain his place in the first XI next season.

The Fareham-born batsman/wicket-keeper had initially spoken a request to be released from his contract which still had two years to run, in an effort to secure more first team opportunities, coupled with his desire to keep wicket.

But a change of heart by the former England Academy student, who has struck 3,050 in 62 first-class matches since making his debut in 1997 for Hampshire, as well as 1,764 in limited-overs cricket, will see the club retain the 24-year-olds' services.

Derek Kenway Photo Mike Atkelsky

At the Hampshire Cricket press conference on Wednesday afternoon, chairman Rod Bransgrove declared, "Derek was unhappy about certain things, but had never really confirmed his intention to leave."

Kenway, contrary to media reports had not handed in a written request to be released, and after speaking with Tim Tremlett and Bransgrove, said "I am very happy to be staying. Hampshire is my home and the cricket club means everything to me."

This news will scupper Nottinghamshire seemed interest in the batsman/wicket-keeper, although Bransgrove did state that nothing really had changed in the interim period with regard to Kenway's desire to keep-wicket.

© Hampshire Cricket