HAMPSHIRE will be looking to secure a third Natwest T20 Blast win in eight days when they host Middlesex at the Ageas Bowl tonight.

Liam Dawson returns from England Lions duties, having been a crucial component in Hampshire’s white ball victories this season with bat and ball.

Only last week, Dawson cracked his highest ever T20 score – an unbeaten 76 in the win against Glamorgan at The Ageas Bowl – and also took four wickets in the same game.

In addition to Dawson, skipper Sean Ervine’s bowling options have been further strengthened by the inclusion of South African all-rounder Ryan McLaren and 19-year-old spinner Mason Crane.

Brad Wheal, also 19, bowled terrifically at the death in Hampshire’s incredible one-run victory over Sussex last Friday and is expected to keep his place.

Gavin Griffiths, having made his Hampshire debut against Glamorgan the previous night having signed on loan from Lancashire, also impressed in the win against Sussex with a career best T20 return of 3-33.

One man who Hampshire will have to keep quiet tonight is England’s limited overs skipper Eoin Morgan.

In his last three T20 games he has scored 43 (v Somerset), 58 (v Glamorgan) and 47 not out for England against Sri Lanka at the Ageas Bowl.

Morgan certainly likes the West End venue, having previously scored two 50-over ODI centuries for England at the ground.

Dawid Malan’s form has seen him, like Dawson, called up to the England Lions squad.

The batsman hit 53 not out against Somerset last month, and smashed 60 off 35 balls against Kent the following day.

Earlier in the season, he smashed 93 off 48 deliveries as Middlesex defeated Hampshire by 69 runs at Uxbridge.

Hampshire are second bottom of their qualifying group and out of the running to make finals day for a seventh successive season. But in a tight group, they are only three points behind fourth-placed Middlesex.

After tonight, Hampshire only have one T20 game left – at home to bottom-placed Somerset a week today.

Hampshire squad: Shahid Afridi, Adam Wheater, Joe Weatherley, Mason Crane, Sean Ervine, Tino Best, Liam Dawson, Brad Wheal, Tom Alsop, Brad Taylor, Lewis McManus, Jake Goodwin, Ryan McLaren, Gavin Griffiths.