Judging by his Stats it Looks Like We've Signed Jacques Kallis

Then, thanks in part to the rain, a resourceful partnership from Felix Organ and Delano Potgieter, bloody-mindedly led Hampshire to 152-6 on a day that saw 50 overs lost to the elements.

Given the weather forecast, it might not be the only time the English summer intervenes in a game that Hampshire can ill-afford to lose after four defeats in their opening five matches.

The performance of Organ - who was 36 not out at the close - will have raised the spirits of some in a week that has seen Liam Dawson, the county's all-round banker, call time on his red ball career.

Potgieter's backs-to-the-wall effort, after only arriving in England on Thursday, will also provide hope going into a crucial second day.

"I only actually met him yesterday, but he trained with us and seems a lovely bloke - he’s clearly excited to be here," says Organ.

"And looking at his numbers, well, it looks like we may have signed Jacques Kallis."

The 29-year-old Gauteng all-rounder currently averages 44 with the bat and 23 with the ball in domestic cricket back in South Africa.

The kind of figures that almost every member of this struggling Hampshire side would kill for.

"He looks a really solid player," says Organ.

"He batted nicely today in a difficult situation and from what I understand his bowling is very steady and accurate, which should suit us really well too.

"First impressions are really positive."

Organ made his first class debut for Hampshire back in 2017 but has consistently found his route to the first team blocked by Dawson.

Now, with the England left-armer having played his final first class game for the county, the 26-year-old has a golden opportunity to stake his claim for a place in Russell Domingo's starting line-up.

"There’s obviously a genuine opportunity now to establish myself in the side and hopefully hold that position for a long time," says Organ.

"And look - if I could have even half the success Liam Dawson’s had for this club, that would be incredible.

"When Daws was here, opportunities were naturally limited and often quite spread out.

"You might play one game, then wait a few weeks for another chance.

"So the challenge has always been making sure you stay ready.

"Obviously everyone wants to be playing first-team cricket, but if you’re not, then the important thing is making sure you’re in the best possible position when the opportunity comes.

"The second team is obviously a different level, but the key is trying to keep your standards at first-team level all the time.

"That’s the big thing - not just focusing on stats, but making sure your preparation and standards are where they need to be so that when the chance arrives, you feel confident and ready to take it."

Organ says that Dawson has taken the time to speak to him since his decision earlier in the week, and the left-armer could well assume a leading role in his development from here on in.

Emulating his figures can wait, for now at least, first Hampshire need Organ to dig in and lead them to a first innings of over 250 for just the second time this season.

That seems a long way.

But then so did a first team place for Organ at the turn of the week.