Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the latest round of the County Championship...
Fixture: Leicestershire v Hampshire
Venue: Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicestershire
Dates: Thursday April 8, 2021-Sunday April 11, 2021
Start time: 11am
What’s the lowdown?
Hampshire have serious aspirations to reach the top group of the second round of the revamped County Championship but their credentials will be immediately tested by an exciting Leicestershire side.
The home side, rebranded as the Running Foxes, are largely unfancied but may well spring a surprise or two during this year's first-class competition.
Hampshire, who came third in the last running of the County Championship in 2019, boast a strong first-choice XI, including England international James Vince.
What’s the team news?
Leicestershire’s new signing, Marcus Harris, the Australian batsman, will not be available for this opening match.
Harry Swindells will keep wicket in red-ball cricket, with Lewis Hill coming in as a batsman. Rishi Patel, the batsman signed from Essex over the winter, is in the 13-man matchday squad. Ed Barnes misses out.
Leicestershire squad: Colin Ackermann, Callum Parkinson, Hassan Azad, Harry Dearden, Alex Evans, Sam Evans, Gavin Griffiths, Lewis Hill, Dieter Klein, Ben Mike, Rishi Patel, Harry Swindells, Chris Wright.
Harris said: "To play domestic cricket in England has always been an ambition of mine".
Mohammad Abbas is in line to make his full debut for Hampshire after featuring in last week’s final friendly clash. He will lead the seam attack with Kyle Abbott.
James Vince will captain the side in his first first-class fixture for Hampshire since September 2019.
Liam Dawson is available to make his return after rupturing his right Achilles in August.
Aneurin Donald, Keith Barker and James Fuller are unavailable as they recover from injury.
Hampshire squad: James Vince, Kyle Abbott, Tom Alsop, Mason Crane, Scott Currie, Liam Dawson, Ian Holland, Lewis McManus, Mohammad Abbas, Joe Weatherley, Brad Wheal, Sam Northeast, Felix Organ
Who’s said what?
After just one competitive appearance for his county since September 2019, the promise of spring and the opportunity to get back to the middle provide the perfect tonic for Liam Dawson.
“I’m excited,” he told The Cricketer. “It’s been a long time.
“It’s been slow, as is the case with most major injuries. In the first month or so you can’t really do much, and with injuries like mine it can be three months for it just to heal.
“I’ve had some dark days over the winter, times when I’ve wondered whether it’s going to heal and if I would be able to get back to normal, but now I’m just really excited about the chance to play cricket again.”
What's the weather forecast?
The weather at Grace Road should remain dry throughout the course of the next few days, with cloud likely to cover the ground for most of the time.
Temperatures will remain cold, with highs likely to be around 10 degrees. Keep up with the weather with the Met Office's rolling forecast: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: Leicestershire will stream all their matches in the 2021 season on their website: Click here
The match will also be available for Hampshire fans through the Hampshire App.
Radio: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry ball-by-ball radio commentary of the game.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry daily updates from every County Championship match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.
Going to the game?
Tickets: This match is to be played behind closed doors owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Travel: Not applicable owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
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OTHER MATCH PREVIEWS
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
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