HAMPSHIRE Hawks and the Southern Vipers – the country’s two domestic T20 champions – are teaming up for a huge double-header at The Ageas Bowl.

The Hawks begin their Vitality Blast defence this week when they travel to Somerset for Wednesday night’s opening T20 game.

Meanwhile, the Vipers – who represent Hampshire at the elite level of women’s T20 and like the Hawks are also based at The Ageas Bowl – beat the South East Stars in Newbury on Tuesday.

Both teams, however, are returning to Hampshire for a hotly anticipated day and night of cricket at The Ageas Bowl tomorrow, with fans expected to flock to the stadium in their thousands to celebrate last season’s title-winning campaigns and to cheer on the two reigning T20 domestic champions.

Greig Stewart, head of customer experience at The Ageas Bowl, said: “With both domestic T20 champions being based at The Ageas Bowl, it is a fantastic time to be a cricket fan in Hampshire.

“We have high hopes of both teams repeating their success this year but also wanted to celebrate last year’s achievements with our supporters and local cricket fans.

“Players from both squads have been out visiting local schools and cricket clubs in recent weeks, taking the Charlotte Edwards Cup and Vitality Blast trophies with them so people can see them up close, and the response has been amazing.

“Our Champions Day double-header gives our supporters the chance not only to join us in celebrating last season’s success but also hopefully enjoy a day and night of top-quality cricket and help both teams get their title defences off to a good start.”

The Vipers, who feature the likes of England rising star Lauren Bell, explosive batter Ella McGaughan, and England legend Danny Wyatt, entertain Western Storm, with play getting underway at 3PM.

Hampshire Hawks, who have been widely tipped to repeat their 2022 Vitality Blast success, play Middlesex from 7PM.

The Hawks have an impressive line-up heading into the 2023 T20 season, with James Vince, Chris Wood, and Aussie pair Nathan Ellis and Ben McDermott among a hugely talented squad.

Tickets are still available, giving fans entry to both games, and can be purchased online at www.ageasbowl.com.  The Ageas Bowl is expecting a near-capacity crowd to be in attendance and will be running free shuttle buses between the stadium and Southampton Airport Parkway and Hedge End stations before and after play.