A Female Coach Running a County Men's Team? Why Not?

Hampshire head to Hove to take on Sussex on Friday in a clash that could go a long way to deciding their Division One fate. But with key T20 Blast clashes coming up, the Hawk understands that a major player could be rested.

Michael Porter recently celebrated his 150th match at Bashley skipper - but as one of only two teams that have never been relegated from the Southern Premier Cricket League, he knows his side face a difficult few months to avoid the drop.

Ali Orr speaks to the Hawk after his second innings effort helped Hampshire to a draw against Surrey at the Oval. But Hampshire will need plenty more runs from him if they're going to escape the Division One drop zone.

Keith Barker left Hampshire at the end of last season and announced his retirement from the sport last month. Currently working in the Warwickshire pathway and Second XI, he says he's not surprised by Hampshire's struggles in 2026.

Hampshire have their sights trained on a 20-year-old who has worked with the same coach that helped turned Sonny Baker into one of the fastest young bowlers in world cricket.

It's now three years since academy graduate and England international Mason Crane left Hampshire, during which time he has become one of the country's most reliable spin bowling all-rounders.