HAMPSHIRE’S Royal London Cup match against Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Tuesday, August 9 will be played at Newclose Cricket Ground on the Isle of Wight.

Newclose, located between Newport and Blackwater, made its debut as a first-class ground in 2019 as professional cricket returned to the Isle of Wight for the first time in 57 years, when Hampshire faced Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.

Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White, said: “Our Championship match at Newclose in 2019 showed that it’s a great wicket and the players really enjoyed the facility and the support they received.

“The feedback from fans on the ground was really positive with plenty of space for supporters so we’re pleased to be returning. I’m sure it’ll be another great occasion.”

Hugh Griffiths, trustee at Newclose Cricket Ground, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Hampshire Cricket back to Newclose and the Isle of Wight after a successful County Championship match in 2019.

“It’s always an honour to host Hampshire and we hope the fans and players from both teams will enjoy playing here as much as they did three years ago.”

The club will be operating a park & ride service from The Ageas Bowl for the fixture with full details and booking information to be confirmed in due course.

Hampshire’s last outing at Newclose in 2019 saw the club cruise to a comfortable victory over Nottinghamshire, thanks to impressive performances with both the bat and ball.

Kyle Abbott, Keith Barker and Fidel Edwards formed a seam bowling attack for Hampshire while Ajinkya Rahane and Sam Northeast struck centuries with the bat.

In 2019, it was the first Championship match to be staged on the Island since 1962, when Hampshire played Worcestershire in Cowes.