Well poor old Hampshire have gone down, after a valiant effort at the death, leaving Sussex as the South Coast's top cricket team. Will they return to Div 1, next season, or are many years of div 2 cricket in store?
Hampshire semed to put all their eggs in one basket this season by trying to retain the T20. Unlike the Football arena there's not a lot to choose between Div 1 and 2 as far as quality is concerned, so if they concentrate on the shorter game again [T20 is what brings in the crowds - and the money], I can see them near the bottom of Div 2 next year. That said, I'd prefer them to give a bit more priority to 'proper cricket'
I would go with the team that played in the last match against Warwickshire and ditch some of the big names at the club. Adams (C), Dawson, Carberry, McKenzie, Vince, Ervine, Bates (W), Mascarenhas, Wood, Briggs, Tomlinson...with the inclusion of Imran Tahir (if available)...It may take a couple of seasons for the team to mature into winners, but there is a lot of potential in that team, with one or two future International players in it. I think we will be a good outside bet for promotion so i'm voting for "runners up".
Think they will struggle next season. Delighted to see Danny Briggs called up for some International honours though - he is definitely one for the future.
