Powell poised for Hants bow

Daren Powell © Getty Images

West Indies fast bowler Daren Powell is set to make his Hampshire debut in the LV County Championship Division One match against Sussex at the Rose Bowl after receiving clearance from the West Indies Cricket Board.

Powell only arrived in the UK on Tuesday morning after flying to Chicago at the weekend to secure a visa. Consequently, his place in the side may depend on his recovery from jet lag.

Director of cricket Tim Tremlett said: “Hopefully he won’t be too tired, but it would be a good toss to win and bat first.”

The 29-year-old is part of a 12-man squad which otherwise consists of the XI who held on for a draw against Durham at the Riverside on Monday.

Hampshire will once again be without paceman Chris Tremlett, who keeps his place in England’s squad for the second npower Test against India after his impressive debut at Lord’s.

Sussex are without injured seam bowler Jason Lewry for the trip along the south coast.

A broken toe keeps Jason Lewry on the sidelines

They had hoped the opening bowler would recover from a broken toe in time face Hampshire, but the game comes too soon for him.

Lewry, whose last appearance came in the championship win over Durham, is likely to be replaced by paceman James Kirtley.

Wicket-keeper Matt Prior is once again on England duty so Andrew Hodd continues behind the stumps.

Saqlain Mushtaq will hope to make his first four-day appearance for Sussex in partnership with fellow countryman and spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

Professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: “After getting through to Twenty20 finals day the team are physically and mentally as strong as ever and when the team gets that way they can be hard to stop.

“Obviously, we hope to carry all that positive momentum over to the championship.

“Even though we haven't as many points as this time last year in the championship race, we are still second and well placed to make another strong challenge.”