HAMPSHIRE manager Paul Terry is calling for an improvement from his batsmen ahead of tonight's second Twenty20 Cup tie against Kent at Beckenham (5.30pm).

Terry will select the same Hawks XI that kickstarted the competition with a thrilling five-run success against Sussex at a capacity Rose Bowl on Friday evening.

Hampshire's opening pair of James Hamblin and Derek Kenway put on 66 in just seven overs in the win against Sussex but Hampshire were still bowled out for 153.

And Terry, who reckons "it would be pretty difficult to change a winning side", believes they can do better tonight.

He said: "Unfortuantely we didn't really capitalise on the opening partnership against Sussex, but that is something we can take out of the first game and improve on.

"In the first game you're always going to be at the beginning of the learning curve but that's definitely something we can take from it.

"Sussex are a good side, you don't expect easy games, but we let them back in a little bit by playing indiscriminate shots at times."

Hampshire were flexible with the batting order in the dug out on Friday, when Wasim Akram caught the PA announcer out by entering at number three ahead of fellow left hander Simon Katich.

But the batting order will not necessarily be the same for tonight's match.

Terry added: "It often depends on who's bowling at a particular time. Sometimes we make sure we have a left hander and a right hander, we try to vary it as much as we can."

He also agreed that Sussex were favourites when they needed ten runs from the last over with four wickets in hand.

"Generally you would back the batting side in that situation so that was a fantastic effort from Ed Giddins.

"Everyone bowled and fielded really well but I'm used to tight finishes after playing for Hampshire for 20 years!"

Terry added: "I wouldn't have been well suited to the Twenty20 as a player! Our guys were knackered at the end, it was obviously hard work.

"I've played a lot of one-day cricket before and you feel tired after that but the 20-overs game looked immensely tiring.

"There are no quiet moments in the match where you can relax."