Wasim Akram has revealed that playing with Hampshire's young guns helped persuade him to return to county cricket.

Hampshire's latest signing will make his debut in the first championship game of the season at Worcestershire a week tomorrow.

And before meeting his new teammates, he said: "I'm going into a young side with a lot of talent there and that motivates me for this challenge.

"I'll go into the side to to teach them what I've learnt over the years, that success takes a lot of sacrfice and a lot of hard work.

"I want to go there as a team man, help the new captain grow into his role and work with him and the players to analyse the game while we're playing.

"I would say to the players and supporters that the team needs backing when they are not doing well.

"Be patient, back the players and they will come out winners in the end."

Wasim, 36, was manager Paul Terry's first choice to captain Hampshire before John Crawley was given the job last week.

"It was a great honour to be asked but I've done my captaincy stint," added the Pakistani all rounder, who cannot wait to join the pantheon of Hampshire's overseas greats.

"Malcolm Marshall was the best bowler I've ever seen, the best ever in cricketing histroy," he admitted.

"He could analyse a batsman in a split second and go straight over to the captain with a plan of attack."

Meanwhile, John Crawley has given the broadest hint yet that he may open the Hampshire batting this season, as he did as Lancashire skipper.

Crawley opened with the fit-again Derek Kenway in a high scoring one-day friendly against Somerset that Hampshire lost by four wickets yesterday.

Crawley (36) and Kenway (35) helped Hampshire reach 272 for eight from 50 overs with Robin Smith contributing 69 off 64 balls, Alex Morris 43 off 50 and Dimitri Mascarenhas 28 off 14.

But despite the best efforts of Shaun Udal (3-26), Somerset reached their target with more than five overs remaining

Keith Dutch was Hampshire's chief tormentor, taking 4-45 with his off spin before smashing an unbeaten 72 off 52 balls.

Aaron Laraman, who has joined the Cidermen from Middlesex, made 73 off 58 balls on a day in which 546 runs were scored.

Former Hampshire bowlers Simon Francis and Nixon McLean opened the bowling for Somerset with the former taking the wicket of Iain Brunnschweiler (2).

Wasim will be joining his new colleagues at The Rose Bowl this Sunday when Hampshire hold their annual Family Open Day (10am-4.30pm).

Included in the day's highlights will be:

An inter-squad match.

'Meet the players' autograph signing session

West End Carnival Band

Cricket-skills competitions

Saints Football Challenge

Inflatable and interactive games

Harry Hawk's putting challenge

Funny face painting

Free 'lucky programme' prize draw at 3.30pm.

Live coverage of the FA Cup semis will be broadcasted on big screens in a special 'SFC supporters area'.

Refreshments will be on offer throughout the day, with the Atrium and Pavilion bars open from noon. Sunday Lunch Carvery will be available for pre-booking only (023 8047 1525).