FORMER England Test batter Mark Stoneman has signed a one-year red-ball contract with Hampshire ahead of the 2025 County Championship season.

The 37 year old has built an impressive domestic career over 18 years, amassing more than 14,000 first-class runs, including 31 centuries and over 100 half-centuries. In list A cricket, he has also made 113 appearances, scoring nearly 4,000 runs and seven hundreds.

Stoneman made his international debut for England in 2017, registering his maiden Test fifty in just his second match. He was later part of the Ashes squad that toured Australia in the 2017-18 season and also featured in the Test series against New Zealand, where he scored four more half-centuries.

Excited about his new challenge, Stoneman said: “I’m very much looking forward to joining Hampshire for the upcoming season.

"I know how hungry the club is to get their hands on the Championship, having come so close in recent years. There’s a fantastic group of players and coaches, and hopefully, we can secure that red-ball title come September.”

Stoneman began his professional career at Durham, where he spent a decade and scored over 7,500 runs before moving on to Surrey and Middlesex.

His early career highlights include scoring his first fifty against Hampshire in just his second match in 2007 and securing a maiden century against Sussex later that season.

Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, expressed confidence in the signing and added: “We believe Mark has a lot to offer.

"He’s won Championships and played at the highest level, and when we met, it was clear that he is highly motivated to make an impact at the club. It feels like a great fit for both parties, and we are excited by his arrival.”

Hampshire will kick off their County Championship campaign at the Utilita Bowl on Friday, 4 April, against newly promoted Yorkshire.

The club finished second in Division One last season and will be aiming to go one step further in 2025 - winning the competition for the first time in over 50 years.