Pothas benefits from sterling service

Nic Pothas - described by Giles White as "the consummate professional" - has been rewarded with a benefit next year

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Hampshire wicketkeeper-batsman Nic Pothas has been awarded a benefit year in 2011, his 10th season with the club.

The 36-year-old has been one of the county’s most consistent performers over the last decade, although his 2010 campaign came to a premature end in July due to a knee injury.

He said: “It’s a great privilege and an honour to be awarded a benefit year for 2011 by the members and supporters at Hampshire. I would like to thank them for this wonderful opportunity, for which I am most grateful.

“Along with them, I would like to thank my fellow players and all the staff at the Rose Bowl for their unwavering support throughout my career at Hampshire thus far.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank (chairman) Rod Bransgrove for affording me the chance to play at this awesome club and for all his help and support since my arrival.

“I consider myself very fortunate to be in this position and look forward to a successful 2011 both on and off the field.”

Pothas, who was born in Greece, began his career at South African side Transvaal in 1993 and played three one-day internationals for South Africa in 2000.

He joined Hampshire in 2002 and qualified for England in 2007 but, despite a fine record and being touted by many to represent his adopted country, was overlooked for further international honours.

Pothas, who won the Friends Provident Trophy with Hampshire in 2005 but missed the latter stages of their Friends Provident t20 triumph this year, has scored 5,467 LV= County Championship runs at an average of 42.37.

Hampshire manager Giles White said: “Nic has been the consummate professional for many years now at Hampshire and I’m very pleased that he will be honoured for that next season.

“His attitude and commitment have been a vital ingredient in many of our successes over recent seasons and hopefully he’ll have a few more good seasons - and a few more successes - to go.”