While everybody has pinned their focus on the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, England’s domestic season is going on in full swing. And to take part in the County Championship, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has reached England and feature for Hampshire throughout June and mid-July. Rahane will play in the County to keep himself match fit ahead of the Test series against Windies. The Test specialist is likely to play Hampshire’s next game against Nottinghamshire.
Rahane joins Hampshire
Ajinkya Rahane will slot in place of Aiden Markram who has returned after the Royal London One-Day Cup to link with South Africa ahead of the ICC World Cup. The Mumbai-born cricketer is the first Indian ever to play for Hampshire. He seemed excited about the opportunity and thanked BCCI for giving him the required NOC. Rahane had also said that he would like to score runs and win matches for Hampshire.
“I am excited to be the first Indian to play for Hampshire, a county which has a glowing reputation,” Rahane said. “I hope to score runs and win as a team and would like to thank BCCI for allowing me to play,” he added.
Hampshire from their official Twitter account revealed that news of Ajinkya Rahane joining the camp ahead of their game against Nottinghamshire.
Ajinkya Rahane has a good record in Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl scoring three half-centuries in four innings. He also has an ODI fifty in this ground and will only look to strengthen his record. Meanwhile, Hampshire are currently at the top of the points table among eight teams playing in the County Division One. They have played three matches so far and have won two games while losing only one. Rahane’s arrival will only bolster their side ahead of the next game.
