MANAGER Paul Terry believes the good times could be returning to Hampshire cricket ON the pitch as well as off it.

Captained by the inspirational Shane Warne, they have kicked off the summer with back-to-back wins in the Championship and the National League in a season they hope will finally end a 12-year wait for silverware.

After an impressive 26-run victory against Warwickshire on Sunday, Hampshire's next test is against Leicestershire in a four-day match beginning today at the Rose Bowl.

Terry said: "I've said I'm confident. We have got a good make-up of a young side that have got to learn, but if we get regular performances not just from two or three players, I think we can do well in competitions.

"It was a really good team effort against Warwickshire, a lot of good contributions from a lot of players which is pleasing as we didn't have it last year as much.

"If we can carry on that way, I've said all along that we can have a good season.

"The more you win, the more confidence you gain. We have made a good start and now we have got to maintain it.

"We have got good players, and if some of our younger players come of age we have got a real good side.

"We took a while to win last year, certainly in the championships, so it's nice to get one in each competition under our belt.

"Also winning close games is nice, we got ourselves through it pretty well on Sunday, so there are some really good signs."

The 'Warne effect' already appears to have taken hold on the team.

"He's a class act, he's innovative, he is always trying to win the game and you see that with his field placings.

"He doesn't take too many steps back, he is always looking to go forward. He is a very positive guy," said Terry.

Aussie Michael Clarke has already shown his undoubted class with the bat, but Terry is also delighted with the way his team have set about the opposition in the field.

"We have fielded well and taken some good catches which is pleasing," he said.

"The bowlers bowled really well against Warwickshire, there were good lines and we held our nerve at the end when Warney, of all people, got hit for three sixes.

"But Chris Tremlett and Alan Mullally came back and did really well.

"With James Tomlinson and James Bruce we've got a little bit of bowling back-up as well and competition for places is always good."

Warne has also reiterated his commitment to positive cricket this summer.

"I can make a promise to anybody who is thinking of coming along to watch Hampshire this season: we will play positive, aggressive cricket in all formats, no matter what the stage of the game," he said.

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