Chris Benham was tipped as a future Hampshire captain at the end of last season, and Shane Warne is backing him to finish this summer on a high.

Benham's career-best 158 won Hampshire promotion from the Pro40 second division via a play-off against Glamorgan at the Rose Bowl at the end of last season.

Since then, Benham's highest score in ten one-day innings this season has been 28, but he celebrated his recall with a match-winning 111 (105 balls, ten fours) against Gloucestershire yesterday.

Benham replaced John Crawley (back spasm) and was unable to field because of a similar injury, as well as dehydration, which makes both players a doubt for tomorrow's vital Championship match against Kent.

But Warne reckons the 24-year-old can end a below-par season by continuing the form he showed yesterday.

The Hampshire captain said: "We all know Chris can play, that's why he started the season in the Championship and one-dayers.

"Maybe a televised game in September is what we need for him all the time!

"We all know how much talent he's got and he's been frustrated because he's been hitting the ball well.

"It's a matter of doing it and hopefully he can finish the season strongly and have a good winter".

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.