
Hampshire sign ex-England batter Stoneman
Stoneham a "good bit of business" - analysis
BBC Radio Solent's Hampshire commentator Kevan JamesStoneman represents a good bit of business by Hampshire as they look to fill the void left by James Vince's decision not to play in the championship.The 37-year-old averages 34 in first-class cricket and crucially, despite his age, shows little sign of letting up.His most recent three-and-a-bit year stint at Middlesex saw him average just above that figure at 36.Where will he bat though? Ali Orr was signed from Sussex and started as Fletcha Middleton's opening partner until he was injured in mid-May and missed the rest of the summer.Or could Stoneman be persuaded to bat in an unfamiliar role in the middle order, at number four? That's the position Vince has vacated.
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