LEWIS McManus insisted hard work was a key part of his quest to become a regular member of Hampshire’s first team.

The wicket-keeper batsman was forced to miss part of the 2019 campaign due to concussion, after taking a blow to the head at the hands of Yorkshire’s Duanne Olivier.

But having been an integral part of the shortened 2020 season, Poole-born McManus believes he has come back stronger.

He told the club website: “While I was out of the side, I worked hard and knew what I needed to do to get back in.

“I worked hard off the pitch and thankfully got my chance to show what I can do.

“Most players will have a period out of the side and it’s more to do with how you deal with that, rather than it being an issue.”

McManus has played 44 first-class matches for Hampshire, since making his debut against Yorkshire back in 2015.

The talented former England under-19 international has a first-class average of 27.29, as well as having taken 94 catches and registered 12 stumpings.

“When I broke in a couple of years ago, I had a few setbacks with injury or form,” he added.

“At the time you think it’s the end of the world but sometimes you need that period of time to go back and think, what do I need to work on and improve on to be better at that level.

“When I eventually had that spell out of the side, it gave me time to work out where I needed to take my game and where I needed to improve and I think I did that.

“It’s never been through a lack of effort with me, it’s been a matter of being a little clearer on what I need to be doing to be successful.”