Hampshire Cricket: Men's academy intake for 2025 announced

Of the eight players selected, six have been retained from the previous roster: Sam Ashman, Zack Basey, Oli Cordery, Finn Gordon, Manny Lumsden and Ben Mayes.

Newcomers Oliver Williams and Ibrahim Zafar will join the programme for the first time.

Hampshire Cricket has announced the 2025 intake for the men's academy. (Image: Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket) Head of player development, Charlie Freeston, said: "This is an exceptional group of young lads, with a real hunger and desire to do great things in the game.

"They all have the drive and work ethic to perform at a high level in 2025.

"We have had a highly productive winter and are very much looking forward to see how this group can lead the various Hampshire teams they will represent to winning games and trophies."

From last season's cohort, all-rounder Dom Kelly and pace bowler Eddie Jack have now graduated from the academy and were awarded rookie contracts.

Three players - Ethan Baker, Andrew MacEwan and Louis Prichard - have been released.

Mayes and graduate Jack both took to the field for England Men’s U19s over the winter, where they clinched the Youth Test against South Africa.

Several key players in the Hampshire men’s squad, including Liam Dawson, Tom Prest, Joe Weatherley, Chris Woo and John Turner, are products of the academy.

The team enjoyed a successful tour of Guernsey in mid-April, winning two matches out of four.