The start of the new cricket season may still be five months away, but Hampshire's latest crop of Academy recruits are working hard at their game throughout the winter months.

Hampshire Second XI coach Tony Middleton has had his seven-strong group of prodigies training twice weekly at the Rose Bowl for the past six weeks.

"They don't just come to the Indoor School for practice net sessions," Middleton emphasised.

"There's much more to it than that.

"In addition to a pretty strenuous fitness training routine, they learn about tactical awareness and the mental approach to the game - two key elements of their development," he added.

Hampshire have recruited three newcomers to the Academy ranks - opening batsman Kevin Latouf, from Bishop's Waltham, Calmore Sports opening bowler Matt Metcalfe and promising Shanklin all-rounder David Griffiths.

They join second-year academy students David Wheeler, Luke Merry, Martin Bushell and Tom Burrows.

The latter impressed Hampshire supporters in August when he came as substitute wicketkeeper against Yorkshire at the Rose Bowl.

"These seven youngsters are all focussed on a professional career in the game and have the potential to do well, provided they continue to work hard at their game," Middleton added.

All seven will play in the newly-promoted Hampshire Academy team in the Southern Electric Premier League next summer.