AUSTRALIAN international Ben McDermott admitted “I’ve never played in a tournament which is so congested” after Hampshire picked up a first T20 Blast win.

Starting just over a week ago, Hawks had already played and lost their four opening matches before defeating Sussex by 22 runs on Saturday.

McDermott laid on 60 runs to combine with captain James Vince’s 65 and set a 200 target at the Ageas Bowl. The bowling attack limited Sussex to 177-6 from their 20 overs.

“It was nice to be out there with James,” McDermott said, after the match. “He is a really calm head and played 400-odd games for the club. He knows the ground really well.

“I’ve played against him a lot in the Big Bash so know how destructive he can be. It was nice to be on his side and put on a good partnership.”

He continued: “I think we had a couple of bowler-friendly wickets to start here and then I’m had some starts here and there but hadn’t been able to do it for long periods of time but tonight was an exception. Hopefully it is a kickstart for things to come.

“Tournament cricket is about momentum and I’ve never played in a tournament which is so congested, where games are coming thick and fast. Hopefully we can get on a bit of roll now.”