HAMPSHIRE legend Mark Nicholas has written a book chronicling his playing days alongside the likes of Malcolm Marshall and Robin Smith – but he is also excited by the current generation.

Nicholas, who captained Hampshire from 1984-95, a period in which the county won three Lord’s finals, lifts the lid on those days with candour and great insight in A Beautiful Game, which was published on Friday.

Now a journalist and broadcaster, Nicholas was also a non-executive director of Rose Bowl plc in the early noughties, before working in Australia for half the year made it impossible to fulfil the role.

But he remains an avid follower of Hampshire Cricket.

He said: “I can’t stop myself. The first thing I do is look at how Hampshire have done.”

When talents like Mason Crane and James Vince are mentioned, Nicholas is effusive.

“Mason is absolutely outstanding; he’s what you call a proper talent,” says Nicholas, who was grateful to be loaned Crane for the day when he captained a Michael Parkinson XI during the summer.

“We were playing against a strong Australian touring side so I rang Giles White to see if he had a couple of talented players I could borrow.

“He sent me Mason and Brad Taylor. Both covered themselves with credit.

“Brad wasn’t able to bowl because of his bad finger, but Mason was very, very good. He got plenty of revs on a very helpful pitch but what stood out was his sheer ability and attitude.

“We’re all going to have to be patient because Shane Warne has made it very difficult for all leg spinners.

"Now every leg spinner is expected to bowl like him, a freak who took a lot of wickets through the power of his personality.”

Crane will be spending the winter in Sydney under the tutelage of Stuart MacGill.

Nicholas has not ruled out one day setting up a session with Warne, whose performances during the 2005 Ashes inspired an eight-year-old Crane to take up leg spin.

Vince is another Hampshire player with a special talent, but who was not at his best for England during the summer.

“James really is a beautiful batsman. He can cover drive with the gods, but it’s difficult to understand the level of extreme analysis and judgement on an international cricketer, whether it’s Alex Hales, Gary Ballance or Vince,” continued Nicholas. “But you feel that talent will still manifest itself.”

Nicholas will be signing copies of his book at Waterstones West Quay on October 22 at 11am and at Waterstones Winchester on October 14 (12.30pm).