Deflated Vince sets sights on taking the title

JAMES VINCE challenged his Hampshire men to pick themselves up and make no mistake with the County Championship title on the line this week.

The England star believes it is crucial for the south coast outfit to put their T20 Blast semi-final loss yesterday out of their minds and ensure they beat Lancashire in the four-day contest, starting Tuesday.

Hants are gunning for their first County crown in 48 years, and only a third ever, when they travel to Liverpool. But they do so on the back on of losing to Somerset in the short game at Edgbaston.

And captain

Vince (right), whose side lost by two wickets with two balls to spare as the West Countrymen chased down a 150 target, said: “It’s a deflated dressing room. But we simply have to put this behind us as soon as possible and tomorrow will all be about preparing our best for the County Championship.

“The different tournaments are coming thick and fast, and so are the massive games.

“We must quickly move on from this loss to Somerset and focus totally on not losing against Lancs.

“It’s such a huge and important week still despite this defeat. We badly want to become County champions.

“If we can win it will be very special and a great achievement for all the squad.”