JAMES Tomlinson does not expect to play a full season again for Hampshire - but hopes to have a role for the next two years.

Tomlinson, who did not play in the last five LV County Championship matches following the return of Fidel Edwards, has acknowledged that he has been nudged further down the pecking order by the arrival of Reece Topley.

He said: “It is pretty clear that I am not perceived as a main bowler for Hampshire any more.

“To be honest, I think that is a fair point. I know deep down that the days of churning out 400-500 overs per season are over.

“However, I am absolutely not writing myself off and I still absolutely think I can offer something to the team over the next couple of years. But realistically, it is going to be in a smaller capacity.”

Tomlinson, who is under contract for another season, has taken 361 Championship wickets at 31 apiece, including 67 at 24 in 2008, when he was the leading wicket-taker in division one.

He took 143 at 25 apiece during Hampshire’s three seasons in division two from 2012-14.

“I have been replaced in the team by Fidel coming back and the signing of McLaren – two international bowlers, so I can’t complain about that,” added the 34 year-old.

“Fidel galvanised our side and definitely gave our batters some confidence, knowing they had someone in their team who was a natural wicket-taker and genuinely fast.

“He has to be ranked as one of the best signings we have made in the last decade.

I would love to have bowled a bit more with Fidel.

“Signing McLaren for the last four games was another great decision. His calmness and professionalism at crucial moments shone through.”