Damian Shirazi has returned to the BAT Sports fold and makes his comeback in two crucial matches this weekend.
After a short spell playing Castle Lager Surrey Championship cricket with Esher, Shirazi will partner Kiwi Neal Parlane in tomorrow's Southern Electric Premier Leaue clash with leaders South Wilts at Southern Gardens (11.30am), and Richard Kenway in Sunday's Cockspur Cup zone final at Havant.
"It's great to be back and I'm really looking forward to playing with the BAT lads again," Shirazi said.
Last season's record MCC Young Cricketers run-getter was due to have made his BAT return in Tuesday's Southern Electric Cup quarter-final tie at Andover.
"But, like all the third round ties, it was rained off - so I've got to wait now until tomorrow," he said.
Shirazi's return to the BAT camp could not have come at a more appropriate time, as the defending champions are experiencing an indifferent time, principally because their top-order batsmen cannot make big scores.
"Richard Kenway has done really well, but none of the other players has played to their potential so far," said Shirazi, who has been playing for Hampshire 2nd XI against Sussex at Hove this week.
He replaces Italy-bound Adam Sharp against South Wilts, who are unlikely to have Combined Services strike bowler Alex Senneck available.
Senneck routed Portsmouth with a spell of 7-35 last week - a return which sent the Salisbury club surging into top place.
Havant, who have signed Will Prozesky from Purbrook but cannot play the South African until Sunday's Cockspur tie, will be without Paul Gover, Dominic Carson and Phil Loat at Bournemouth tomorrow.
Tom Burrows is fit again after an arm injury and returns for the Hampshire Academy against basement boys Old Tauntonians & Romsey at the Romsey Sports Centre.
The Academy, lying fourth in the log, give a trial to Charterhouse School opening batsman James Wood, who is expected to play for the county YC's this summer.
New Zealander Scott Shirley is back from Scotland and plays for OTR, who have lost all six games so far.
Andover expect Dean Woodhouse to miss Liphook & Ripsley's visit to London Road - the Army pace bowler having torn a hamstring at the Rose Bowl last week.
Bashley (Rydal) are without left-arm spinner Ross Grierson for their long haul to Portsmouth.
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