England fast bowler Boyd Rankin believes the Ageas Bowl will provide a magnificent setting for next week’s fifth and final one-day international against Australia.

The 29-year-old Warwickshire seamer praised Hampshire’s home ground ahead of the contest on Monday, September 16.

“I’ve played there quite a few times now and it’s a great ground to play on,” he said.

“It’s improved a lot over the past few years especially with the new stands they have there. I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere.

“It’s always a good pitch. It takes the ball on and it has a bit of pace and bounce, so I’m looking forward to having a good bowl on it.

“It is a good wicket to bat on as well though, so I think it will be another high-scoring game.”

Rankin is also hoping that Hampshire’s Michael Carberry can make a good impression in an England shirt in front of his own fans.

“I’ve been bowling at him in the nets recently and he looks to be batting really well,” he said. “He’s done excellent in county cricket over the past few years so it would be nice to see Carbs get a good score.”

Tickets are still available for the match and are priced from £53 for adults and £10 for under-16s.

General admission tickets are available online via the Ageas Bowl ticketing website, or over the phone on 0844 847 1863 (24 hours a day), or in person at the Ageas Bowl ticket office during normal office hours.

Limited numbers of hospitality packages are also available for the ODI priced from £395 + VAT and include a champagne reception, three course lunch with matching wines, afternoon tea, post-match refreshments and celebrity guest speakers.

To book hospitality, contact Lisa Catlin on 023 8047 5660 during normal office hours or via email on lisa.catlin@keithprowse.co.uk