CHRIS Wood has played four games at Finals Day - and won the lot.

But he is as determined as any of the seven survivors from Hampshire’s only Finals Day defeat to make amends for that rain-affected semi-final loss against Somerset at Edgbaston two years ago.

“When I was told I wasn’t picked, it wasn’t the best feeling,” says Wood, who made way for Shahid Afridi, only for the overseas man to fail with bat and ball during the Super Over.

“I stayed out of the way but was there after the game and Afridi took the rap for not bowling a good over at the end, he was very apologetic,” recalls Wood. “He sat us down about 15 minutes after the game and gave a little speech about how sorry he was.”

Wood was only just out of his teens when he helped Hampshire win their first t20 title in dramatic fashion on home turf in 2010 and made up for his 2011 omission with a sensational performance in last year’s final, taking 3-26 in the ten-run win against Yorkshire.

He took three wickets while conceding only three runs from a final over that began with Yorkshire needing 14 to win. “It was my lucky day,” smiles Wood, who is relishing the opportunity to bowl more yorkers when it matters. “I’ve got used to bowling the death overs, being as calm as you can helps but it’s a case of going out there, backing your ability and enjoying yourself.

“It’s something I enjoy and I think that’s the key. If you go in there with fear and shy away from it you’ll be on the end of more losses than wins.”

Wood has also been outstanding with the bat in all forms of the game in recent weeks, encouraging signs as Hampshire prepare to bid farewell to Dimi Mascarenhas.

“If I’m going to be taking over from Dimi’s position as an all-rounder, my batting has to keep on improving,” he added.