Goldstraw joins BAT's long injury list

Already minus top wicket taker Dan Goldstraw, BAT Sports face a mini injury crisis as they bid to kick start their ECB Southern Electric Premier League challenge against Bashley (Rydal) at Southern Gardens tomorrow, 1pm.

BAT, who have played only 11 overs cricket this season due to the wet weather, have both former Hampshire medium-pace bowler James Schofield and potential new ball partner Kirk Stewart doubtful with back injuries, and young all-rounder Damian Shirazi "touch and go."

"It really will be a Saturday morning roll call to see who's fit and who's not," said skipper Richard Dibden.

"I expect Damian (Shirazi) to be ok, but Schofield and Stewart must be rated very doubtful." BAT may have to call up Mark Page to partner Chris Thomason in a new-ball attack.

Bashley, with one win and a defeat so far, have a major injury problem of their own, with Australian import Brad Thompson expectted to be ruled out for several weeks with a broken finger.

The Hampshire Academy should win their first game against Liphook & Ripsley, who lie bottom of the table after consecutive defeats by Portsmouth and Andover.

The Young Hawks were beaten by Calmore Sports in their only game of three to have avoided the wet weather.

Promising King Edward VI all-rounder Alex Richardson expects to play in the Ripsley Park match - but won't know until this evening which team he will actually turn out for.

Under the Premier League's dual registration arrangements, Richardson has been allowed to play for Liphook as well as the Academy.

Tom Pegler and Stuart Bailey return to play for Calmore Sports, who look to build upon their Academy success.

But a visit to defending champions Havant is demanding in the extreme for Calmore, who face recently arrived Australian import Matt Cox, the South Melbourne off-spinner.

Bournemouth are keeping their fingers firmly crossed for a break in the weather so they can get their ECB Premier League challenge up and running against Andover at Chapel Gate.

It's been tremendously frustrating start for Bournemouth, whose May 10 win at Bournemouth was sandwiched between postponements against BAT Sports and Portsmouth.

"We've won our only match and need to press on from there," says Richard Scott, Bournemouth's Director of Cricket.

"But the weather has been so poor it's been impossible for anyone to get into any sort of nick."

Scott had a special word of sympathy for Western Australian Adam Voges, who has only batted twice in Bournemouth's colours since arriving on Easter Sunday.

"He's itching to get going, having looked really good against Dorset and South Wilts," Scott said.

Scott himself may drop down to captain Bournemouth's 2nd XI at Calmore, but a final decision is unlikely to be made until this evening.

Andover beat Liphook last time out, with Roger Miller scoring the only Premier League century of the season so far.

Army and Combined Services opening bowler Alec Senneck could partner Hampshire's James Tomlinson in a new look South Wilts opening attack at Portsmouth.

Senneck has been posted to barracks near Salisbury, while Tomlinson could be available for the first time this season.