by Alex Smith

JAMES Vince believes Hampshire could be the Specsavers County Championship’s surprise package this year.

After avoiding relegation by default, Hampshire have responded by signing internationals Rilee Rossouw, Kyle Abbott and George Bailey - while Fidel Edwards, Michael Carberry and Reece Topley, who were unavailable for most of last season, will be available for the opening game.

“Last year it felt like we had a decent squad but the injuries hampered us and we probably didn’t have the strength and depth to compete with the top sides,”  said Vince, who will be handing the County Championship to Bailey when the Australian arrives next month.

“I’m really excited heading into this year and the group of lads we’ve got here I know are really excited too.

“Since I’ve been involved it’s probably our strongest squad in terms of strength and depth of both batting and bowling.

“Some of the younger guys that have moved up have become even better players so fingers crossed guys stay fit.

“We’ve got a really good chance of challenging in all three competitions.

“Looking at the squad we’ve got and the way we’ve added to it, the belief of everyone is that we really can compete with anyone in the division.

“Obviously a handful of other counties have been strong for a good few years, Yorkshire, Middlesex and teams like that, but I think we could be the surprise this year.”

Vince enjoyed his first winter as a father after a disappointing first seven Tests run last year, in which he averaged 19.27 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

“If I could rewind eight months I would, but that’s gone. Obviously I want to get back into the side.

“There’s a lot of one-day cricket in England so a few good performances heading into the new season could move you up the ladder further down the line.

“I’ve been working on technical stuff throughout the off-season here with the coaches and it’s been the first winter where I haven’t been away playing for the full period.

"The work I’ve been doing has hopefully moved my game forward. All I can do is perform well in four-day cricket for Hampshire and see where I end up at the end of the year.”

Before captaining the South to their 3-0 series win against the North in the UAE last week, a three-game stint at the Big Bash and October’s ODI series in Bangladesh was the only competitive cricket Vince had played this winter.

He explained: “I’ve got a new baby girl so it’s been nice to spend some time at home and have a decent break.

“I think it’s done me a lot of good. It’s tiring, but I love it. It’s been nice to put the bat down for a bit and enjoy time at home.”