Hampshire recall Benham

Chris Benham returns to the Hampshire batting line-up to face Nottinghamshire after the top order failed twice at Durham

Chris Benham is set to replace Liam Dawson in the Hampshire side to face Nottinghamshire following their thrashing at Durham in the last LV= County Championship Division One outing.

Having been in good form in limited overs cricket Hampshire’s top order collapsed twice as they lost by an innings and 110 runs at Chester-le-Street.

England Under-19 captain Dawson has paid the price for scoring just six in that outing as Benham – who made his maiden first-class century against Loughborough UCCE earlier this season – returns to the four-day side.

Chris Tremlett steps up his return from an abdominal injury with a run out for the second XI, while Dimi Mascarenhas and Kevin Pietersen are both on England duty so Nic Pothas continues as captain.

Notts coach Mick Newell has told his players to prepare for a backlash from Hampshire’s humiliating defeat when his side reach the Rose Bowl.

He said: “We’ve got a big challenge ahead of us at the Rose Bowl and must be prepared for a possible backlash from the Hampshire players.

“Dominic Cork always rouses himself when he’s up against us, and Imran Tahir’s leg-spin is a threat. They may have had a difficult game at Durham but that doesn’t count for anything come the start of this match.”

Newell names an unchanged squad from the one that drew with Warwickshire, where Mark Wagh hit 147.

“Mark batted very well and really helped us along to a decent total,” added Newell.

“We’ve been accumulating a good number of bonus points in our Championship matches so far and I’m pretty happy with our form in four-day cricket.”