HAMPSHIRE claim they have seen an upsurge in ticket sales for the upcoming one day international between England and West Indies at the Ageas Bowl, following the announcement that superstar Chris Gayle has been drafted into the tourists' squad.

Hampshire say that tickets are selling at a rate of more than 100 per day, with only about 500 now left for the clash on Saturday, June 16.

The game marks the start of the series and is the first ODI of the summer.

With the stadium's permanent capacity already sold out, the club have brought in a further 2,000 temporary seats for the fixture – an allocation they expect to sell out in the days leading up to the match.

Group commercial director Zac Toumazi said: "We're delighted but not surprised at the interest generated by the inclusion of Chris Gayle in the West Indies squad.

"He's, without doubt, one of the finest all-rounders in limited-overs cricket at the moment and obviously proves a huge draw for cricket fans across the South Coast."