LEWIS McManus says ruthless Hampshire are brimming with confidence and going into every match expecting to "dominate" their opponents.

The Poole-born wicketkeeper-batsman has been in unrivalled form behind the stumps as the Ageas Bowl team have surged to the top of the County Championship.

Hampshire completed a mammoth innings and 94-run win over Warwickshire on Monday to become the first team this season to record three four-day victories.

Given they won just two matches last season and were only spared the drop to Division Two by Durham's financial difficulties, the county's current form represents a whopping turnaround in fortunes.

McManus told the Daily Echo: "Warwickshire was probably the best four-day win we have had. It was an extremely good batting wicket and, at times, if felt like the game was drifting, but we hung in there and got our rewards.

"We are in a brilliant position and there is a great mood around the place. It is massively different to the past couple of years, when we all went through a tough time, not through lack of effort – but things did not go our way.

"We have individuals who know how to win games and we go into every match thinking we will dominate the other team."

McManus played a crucial hand when Hampshire won their opening game of the season at Yorkshire, contributing an unbeaten 41 to lift his team from the ruins of 75 for eight to a fighting 141.

He delivered again in the second dig, adding another undefeated cameo as Hampshire got over the line to set the ball rolling on a hitherto excellent campaign.

With the gloves, the 22-year-old has claimed 19 victims this season, more than any of his Division One keeping counterparts.

During the clash with Warwickshire, McManus filed an entry for catch of the season when, standing up to the spitting leg spin of Mason Crane, he snaffled opener Andy Umeed.

"Our bowlers are always creating chances," said McManus. "It is brilliant keeping to the likes of Mason, you always feel you are in the game.

"Those matches, like the one at Yorkshire, when you feel you are in for a hiding, the best teams stick in and know they are only a session away from clawing their way back into it.

"Batting at seven you have to be very flexible. It is not always easy to get the volume of runs you would like, or to find any rhythm.

"It is down to me to make sure I practice hard and then, when the opportunities come along, I will be feeling in good nick and ready to score runs."

Star duo Liam Dawson and James Vince both missed the thumping of Warwickshire owing to England Lions commitments.

And McManus makes no secret of the fact he would like join his estimable team-mates in the international fold.

"I'm desperate to be involved with the Lions," he added.

"But I can’t look to far ahead. I have to take catches and score runs for Hampshire then, hopefully, something will arise at some point this year, which would be brilliant. It's a goal of mine.

"There are some good keeper-batters out there and I want to be top of the pile."