CAPTAIN James Vince believes Hampshire “could be the surprise this year”.

Vince, fresh from a winter of reflection and working hard on his game, is looking forward to the opportunities the upcoming 2017 campaign could present.

Following the conclusion of last season, the Hampshire skipper has had time to look back on both his own game as well as the team’s endeavours.

And heading into the new season, Vince is excited about what 2017 could hold, both individually and for the county.

He said: “Last year, it felt like we had a decent squad but the injuries that came hampered us and we probably didn’t have the strength and depth to put out a side that was really able to compete with the top sides.

“I’m really excited heading into this year and the group of lads we’ve got here I know are really excited too.

“Since I’ve been involved, it’s probably our strongest squad in terms of strength and depth of both batting and bowling and some of the younger guys that have moved up have become even better players so fingers crossed guys stay fit and we’ve got a really good chance of challenging in all three competitions.”

The addition of new signings George Bailey, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw has seen the playing squad bolstered and Vince has already seen the positive impact their impending arrivals have had on the squad’s preparations for the year ahead.

He added: “I think, looking at the squad we’ve got and the way we’ve added to it, the belief of everyone around is that we really can compete with anyone in the division.

“Obviously, a handful of other counties have been strong for a good few years – Yorkshire, Middlesex and teams like that, but I think we could be the surprise this year.

“This year, we’ve got quite a few of the guys around, a few of the guys are away playing overseas, but we’ve got a good group here and they’re all looking forward to getting going.”