GREG LAMB has played himself into Hampshire's Twenty20 side for the opening match against the Essex Eagles at Chelmsford on Friday.

Zimbabwean Lamb's two innings against the Southern Electric Premier League have been the one positive from Hampshire's dismal showing.

And after hitting 30 from 31 balls and 22 from 12 against the SEPL he has been rewarded with a place in the Hampshire side for the Twenty20 opener tomorrow night.

Captain Shaun Udal revealed: "Greg has been a real find over the two matches. He's shown maturity and has struck the ball nicely, so he'll definitley be in.

"We've still got to finalise our squad of 12 but we've got Chris Tremlett, Nic Pothas and Michael Clarke to come in - and Shane Watson should be okay to bat."

All thoughts are now on the floodlit match at Chelmsford, with Paul Terry expected to make four changes from the side that lost by ten runs last night.

Udal added: "It's obviously disappointing to lose - they played the better cricket and we were a bit sloppy with our batting again.

"It's been a bit of a problem but hopefully we'll rectify it, starting at Essex.

"The game on Friday is the one that counts. We don't want to lose that one."

Former Hampshire batsman Richard Scott, the SEPL captain, said: "It was a real pleasure to captain the side in the two games - the competitive nature of the players and their ambition to do well made it easy.

"Lee Savident's innings was of high quality and Dan Goldstraw showed why he's been so successful in the Southern League over the last three to four years. He was outstanding.

"But no score is safe with Dimi at the crease and he proved what a dangerous guy he can be.

"We were all very grateful for the chance to play against Hampshire and wish them all the best for Friday."