by Mike Vimpany

Hampshire Academy player-coach James Tomlinson admits it will be “fantastic” if Mason Crane warms up for next week’s England debut by playing against table-topping Lymington in tomorrow’s Southern Premier League game.

As reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo, Crane - who could make his England T20 debut at The Ageas Bowl against South Africa next Wednesday - is in line to play for the Academy.

“Mason’s 90 per cent certain to play, but we live with the prospect of receiving that phone call pulling him out,” explained Tomlinson.

“It will be fantastic for the other lads into our squad if he does play against Lymington, who are massive opponents.

Calvin Dickinson returns for Lymington after scoring 99 on debut for Hampshire against South Africa A last weekend.

Hampshire Academy: Tomlinson, Kantollina, Duggan, Goodwin, Crane, F Middleton, South, Holly, S Currie, Reynolds, Campbell.

Ian Holland’s return to a creaking South Wilts side at New Milton can’t come quick enough after the former champions were skittled for 100 and thrashed by seven wickets by Burridge last week.

Due to Hampshire call-ups, the Australian has only played one competitive game for South Wilts this season.

But he’s back alongside opener Tom Cowley and spin all-rounder Jack Mynott for what promises to be a demanding visit to Fernhill, where overnight leaders Bashley (Rydal) came a cropper last week.

Reflecting on the Burridge defeat, South Wilts skipper James Hibberd mused: “Rick Ankers winning the toss was a huge bonus but to be fair, they bowled well on a very lively Bemerton track.

“I am not sure I have ever seen a ball move around that much - I didn’t lay a bat on my first 20 balls!

“It’s not ideal losing but at least this week our batters were got out. In previous weeks we have been getting ourselves out.

“But it’s important we put on a batting performance tomorrow. It’s overdue.”

New Milton are understandably buzzing after handing out a 138-run thrashing to their Bashley neighbours and Ryan Beck will lead an unchanged side into the field.

South Wilts: Wade, Cowley, Holland, Hayward, Draper, Mynott, Hibberd, Evans, Pittman, Murray, Warner.