"Will Kendall" Photo Vic Isaacs

As with most things with Hampshire's newest beneficiary, it is rarely dull in that he never stops talking. Unfortunately, his words are usually directed to some poor recipient with a chewed ear down the other end of a telephone line. Often calls are made to the Smith/White car to find out their whereabouts. Shaggy knows that their combined sense of direction is unlikely to get them down a one-way street safely and he likes them to be visible in the rear view mirror. I don't mind him being distracted in this way as it gives me plenty of time to ensure that his favourite Luther Vandross (the last syllable being the most apt) album does not get near the CD player.

There are, of course, the pitfalls to these travel arrangements too. In 2000, Shaggy drove the "mobile label". This comfortable VW had been generously supplied by Martins but it attracted excessive attention from passers-by who were either trying to find out who was driving or if they could spot a bit of the original paintwork. There were logos, blocks of writing and Hampshire crests everywhere. As we stood out on the motorway like Shaggy in a Mr Universe contest, other motorists would stare with a mixture of inquisitiveness and excitement before moving off with a shake of the head and a hunch of the shoulders as if to say "Haven't got a foggiest who that is - fancy having a car like that!".

This reaction has always surprised me because Shaggy has made a conscious effort over the years to get in front of every camera in Southern England. The only thing I can think of is that whereas previously he attempted to profile his best side, the priority now is to conceal the bald spot, and the punters just don't recognise this new look.

He might be more of a recognised face if his international career had not been so stunted. He has carried the Hampshire spin bowling department for over a decade and has consistently performed up with the best in the country. He is now playing better than ever - the figures prove it - and he has outperformed just about every rival in the country. Why the selectors continue to overlook his talents is both extraordinary and a travesty.

One answer might be found in Hampshire's supposed unfashionable reputation that is rather harder to shake off than new grounds are to build. But herein lies Shaggy's greatest attribute, his loyalty. He is a Hampshire man through and through and serves the county now with the same passion as when he started. His honesty, integrity and dignity through the good and hard times have made him a great favourite and the benefit system is designed to reward precisely his type.

He may have spindly legs and be getting thinner on top, but he's a good man so long as you keep him off a football pitch (there's another article in that!). I'm looking forward to many more entertaining car journeys.

Have a great year Shaggy - you deserve it.

Wilbur