Dale Benkenstein aiming to strengthen Hampshire attack ahead of division one return

Former Nottinghamshire star Andre Adams, a veteran at 39, has been signed for the start of next season and Benkenstein admits the seam attack needs further strengthening.

“That’s an area for next year where we need to be stronger in depth,” said Benkenstein, who won three division one titles with Durham.

“Andre comes for the first three months and there will be an overseas player.

“We are only looking at opening bowlers and have spoken about a few but we haven’t finalised anyone yet.

“There may be an opportunity to get one more. But I think that’s the only area.

“Our batting and spin bowling is well covered.

“We are not far off being ready to compete in division one.”

Kyle Abbott took 36 wickets at 20.3 in his first stint as Hampshire's overseas player this year.

There are doubts over his availability next year but the recent form of Chris Wood, who took just 15 wickets at 16.8 in four games after returning from injury in time to replace Abbott for the last few games, is encouraging.

Wood bagged a career best 5-39 in his first Championship outing of 2014, in the win at Kent in mid-August, and also took 4-42 in Glamorgan’s first innings at Cardiff last week in the win which gave Hampshire the second tier silverware.

“Woody has had a big impact and is someone who could play more games earlier in the season (in 2015) than he did this year,” said Benkenstein.

But Wood’s success has come despite concerns over his right knee, which underwent microfracture surgery in December.

There have been suggestions that he needs another operation now the season is over.

“He’s a year on from that injury and I don’t think he needs another operation but he isn’t ready to play for six months in all forms of the game,” continued Benkenstein.

“To do that he would probably have to have another op.

“After another season like this, he will still only be 26 and will probably be strong enough to play [regularly] in all forms.”