Hampshire overseas signing Jackson Bird is still not ready for his debut.

The 28-year-old remains unavailable with a “neural injury” that has prevented him from playing in the first two matches, so an unchanged 13-man squad has been named for the visit of Nottinghamshire tomorrow (11am start) Bird, who pulled out of a similar stint with Northants last year due to a back injury, is now targeting Hampshire's fourth match of the season, against Yorkshire at Headingley on May 10, as his LV County Championship debut.

His injury is believed to be caused by a disc affecting a nerve in his neck. Director of Cricket Giles White hopes to know more today.

He said: “It’s frustrating for everyone, not least for Jackson. He reckons he did it playing grade cricket back in Australia but didn’t realise he was injured until it was aggravated in a practice session with us.

“It’s one of those injuries we’re not 100 per cent sure about, he feels fine in himself but has difficulty raising his arms so he’s having another consultation today (Friday). We should have a better idea after that.”

At least Andre Adams is fit to face his previous employers. The Kiwi took 344 Championship wickets at just 24 for Notts from 2007-14 and is ready for his home debut after taking his first three wickets for Hampshire against Warwickshire.

“Andre bowled very well at Edgbaston and we’ve been tapping into his knowledge about Notts,” continued White. “I know what it’s like playing against your former club having played against Somerset for Hampshire. He’s champing at the bit!”

White has added Brad Wheal and Chris Wood to the team that drew with Warwickshire. Gareth Berg may be rested, having bowled 69 overs in the first two matches - a greater workload than he ever had at Middlesex and after a year out injured.

“There’s belief in the squad that they can perform at this level,” said White. “They’ve shown a lot of character and everyone’s excited about being in division one. We knew it would be tough cricket and that’s what it’s proved to be, but we had the better of a draw against a very strong Warwickshire side.

“The main difference we have found between the divisions is the intensity so we need to make sure we play good cricket for the full four days. Notts are a strong side and have been for a number of years. But we feel we have the quality in our squad to match any team in the division.”

Notts drew their first two games with Middlesex and Yorkshire and have the country’s leading first-class run scorer in Alex Hales (404 at 67). They are without injured former Hampshire batsman Michael Lumb, but new signings Brendan Taylor, the former Zimbabwe batsman, and ex- Gloucestershire all-rounder Will Gidman are expected to play. Hampshire (from): Jimmy Adams, Carberry, Dawson, Vince, Smith, Wheater, Ervine, Berg, Briggs, Andre Adams, Tomlinson, Wood, Wheal.

l South Africa’s former Hampshire bowler Kyle Abbott has joined Middlesex for the first half of the T20 Blast.