Fourth-placed Warwickshire visit the Rose Bowl today for the four-day Cricinfo Division Two Championship clash.

And the midlanders headed south last night, their confidence boosted by a 139-run win over Nottinghamshire yesterday.

Kenway, who is being touted for a possible place in the England team, said that it was vital Hampshire won if they are to remain in promotion contention.

"To my mind this is the most important game of the season," he said.

"If we can beat Warwickshire then they will go down the table and the promotion issue becomes a three-horse race. It will put us in a good position."

Sussex and Middlesex lie above Hampshire, but both counties have played a game more.

Robin Smith's team go into the clash on a high after victory over the Australians, a draw against Gloucestershire in the championship, and then a crushing nine-wicket victory over Derbyshire in the Sunday League.

"Everything seems to be coming together for us right now," said Kenway. "Every game we approach we believe we can win.

"I think it helped us by beating the Australians. That was a massive result to beat the best team in the world. When you've faced quality players like that, you're approach to county cricket is slightly different."

Jason Laney, who fired an impressive 62 against Derbyshire, has been included in the Hampshire 13.

Robin Smith, who has not played since the Australian game because of a rib injury, returns, as does Dimi Mascarenhas, who has been sidelined with a hamstring pull. He did play at Derby on Sunday.

Charlie Van der Gucht is expected to be released from intensive care within the next 24 hours.

The Hampshire offspin bowler broke both legs in a road accident 11 days ago, and was transferred to St Thomas' Hospital in London after suffering two blood clots on his lungs following a six-and-a-half hour operation.

Dave Newman said he had been encouraged by Van der Gucht's progress. "He is a little bit better and the doctors are hoping he will be out of intensive care in the next day or two," he said.

"Charlie is improving, but there is a long way to go yet."

Hampshire (from): White, Kenway, Kendall, Smith, Johnson, Laney, Prittipaul, Mascarenhas, Aymes, Udal, A Morris, Tremlett, Mullally.