After the toughest of winters with England, James Vince faces another big challenge today – picking Hampshire’s first XI.

Hampshire’s captain in all formats following George Bailey’s departure, Vince has what he rates as the best squad in his time with the county to pick from, ahead of Friday’s opening match of the season against Worcestershire.

South Africa star Hashim Amla will have his first training session with the county today after replacing Bailey as overseas player.

And Vince will also be joined in Hampshire’s top order by another new signing in former Kent captain Sam Northeast.

Vince is about to start his tenth season in Hampshire’s first team and was unequivocal when asked if the current squad is the county’s best in that time.

“Yes, definitely” he said.

“At the start of the season you have belief you can win the championship and other trophies but, with Hashim here and Dale [Steyn] set to join us as well, this is without doubt the best squad we’ve had.

“We’ve got players around here who can do something special and win the championship.

“Last year we ended up in a similar position to previous seasons but played much better cricket.

“But we have a few extra numbers and good quality coming in.

“It’s great to have such a good squad to pick from.”

Vince’s Ashes struggles are well documented but after scoring 76 against New Zealand in Christchurch last month, he has form to build on as he prepares to take on Worcestershire after the wettest of pre-seasons for his Hampshire teammates.

He and Mark Stoneman have both been challenged to score early season runs by England coach Trevor Bayliss ahead of the first Test of the summer against Pakistan on May 24.

“I’m keen to get back straight into it,” continued Vince.

“It might be tough early on for batters but if you make runs in those conditions it counts for a lot more.

“I’m looking forward to pushing the boys up the ladder before May.”

Vince made 242 runs at 26.88 during a chastening Ashes series.

“I did a lot of the hard work and don’t feel out of depth but know that I need to kick on and make some big scores,” he continued.

“If I hadn’t run myself out [after making 83 in the first Test] and hadn’t got that ball [the delivery of the series from Mitchell Starc] when I was pretty well set at the Waca [on 55] I could have done that.

“Looking back [my 76 at Christchurch] was important and could have quite a big impact on my career.”