“We could be the surprise this year.”

That’s the verdict of Hampshire captain James Vince, who after a winter of reflection is looking forward to the forthcoming domestic campaign.

Heading into the new season, he is excited about what 2017 could hold – both individually and for his side.

“Last year it felt like we had a decent squad but the injuries that came hampered us and we probably didn’t have the strength and depth to put out a side that was really able to compete with the top sides,” he said.

“I’m really excited heading into this year and the group of lads we’ve got here I know are really excited too.

“Since I’ve been involved it’s probably our strongest squad in terms of strength and depth of both batting and bowling and some of the younger guys that have moved up have become even better players.

“Fingers crossed guys stay fit and we’ve got a really good chance of challenging in all three competitions.”

The addition of new signings George Bailey, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw has seen the playing squad bolstered, and Vince has already seen the positive impact their impending arrivals have had.

“Looking at the squad we’ve got and the way we’ve added to it, the belief of everyone around is that we really can compete with anyone in the division,” he stated.

“Obviously a handful of other counties have been strong for a good few years, Yorkshire, Middlesex and teams like that, but we could be the surprise this year.”

Vince’s admission comes after Hampshire were only spared relegation to division 2 of the County Championship last year by the ECB demoting Durham for financial reasons.

Vince has spent more time working on his game here in the UK this winter than ever before, but did enjoy a short stint in Australia as part of the KFC Big Bash. The right-hander made a stylish 44 on debut for Sydney Sixers, helping secure two victories from the three matches he was involved in, and he’s been impressed by the nation’s take on T20 cricket.

“The Big Bash experience was awesome,” he said. “Having watched it the last few years and seeing the interest out there, it was great to be out there and involved. It was great fun and I really enjoyed it – hopefully I can play there again next year.

“It was up a couple of notches up from here, with most games selling out and the hype around having two teams based in Sydney was on par with international cricket.

“I know they’ve had bigger attendances out there for some Big Bash games compared to Australia games so they’ve done a great job.

“I guess going there knowing I’m only going to be playing a handful of games, I wanted to try and put some numbers on the board and show what I can do.

“It was good to get out there and get off to a reasonable start – hopefully I get the chance to go out there again next year.”