Ervine eager to figure in Hants attack

17 May 2008

Sean Ervine © Getty Images

Sean Ervine has had to battle back from knee surgery - and now may have an opportunity to stake his claim as a frontline bowling option for Hampshire, because of a team-mate’s injury misfortune.

The prognosis for Chris Tremlett is uncertain, after the England fast bowler suffered back spasms and was unable to take the field against Surrey at the Rose Bowl on Friday.

Former Zimbabwe Test all-rounder Ervine took 3-26 to undermine Surrey’s second innings - which realised 151 for seven, and an overall lead of 202, by stumps on day three of their LV County Championship Division One match.

Ervine, who required an operation for a cruciate injury back in 2005, may have plenty more work to do in the immediate, medium and long term - a prospect he is relishing.

“I want to work on my bowling and be a first-change pick,” Ervine said.

“The knee feels really strong. You’ve just got to keep doing the right things.

“When you have a cruciate (injury) in your leg it takes a lot of time and effort to be able to feel confident in your knee.

“My pace comes from being able to brace your front leg - and if I can’t do that there is no control of where you’re bowling.

“I’m definitely a batter who bowls a little bit. But I can’t see myself going through my whole career just being a batter.”

Tremlett - who took 5-67 in the first innings against Surrey - had less reason for optimism last night.

But while he pondered his own fitness, he could at least reflect on the importance to Hampshire of captain Dimitri Mascarenhas’ return from the Indian Premier League.

It remains unclear whether Mascarenhas will be able to convince the Hampshire hierarchy to allow him to join Rajasthan Royals again for the final stages of IPL at the end of this month.

His presence, however, is much appreciated by Tremlett.

“He’s a bubbly character who always has a smile on his face - the lads respect him and love having him around,” he said.

“After losing Nic Pothas and John Crawley over the last few days with injuries, it’s great to have Dimi back.

“To have him on the team sheet, coming in late in the order and his overs as well - all that he brings to the team with his experience - is really important to us.”