WILTSHIRE have gone looking to build on last summer’s heroics after snapping up two new recruits that were playing first-class cricket last season.

The county side have signed former England U19 wicket-keeper Michael Bates, who was controversially released by Hampshire at the end of last season, and former Worcestershire man Nick Harrison, who hails from Chippenham.

Wiltshire, who will again by captained by Mike Coles, narrowly missed out on becoming the kings of minor counties cricket last summer after losing to Staffordshire in the championship final and team manager Neil Shardlow wants to see his side move onwards and upwards.

“We want to push on from last season because we feel we’ve got some unfinished business, as it were,” said Shardlow.

“Michael Bates and Nick Harrison are similar players in the way that they both have aspirations of getting back into first-class cricket in the near future, and we’re happy to help them try and achieve that.

“But they’re both keen to play minor counties with us and I’m sure they’re going to be great signings.”

Bates comes into the Wiltshire squad to replace Adam Miles, who has moved to New Zealand.

Coles’ men start their preparations for the upcoming campaign with three friendlies over the Easter weekend.

They travel to West of England Premier League side Frocester on Saturday before hosting Gloucestershire’s 2nd XI and Dorset at Beversbrook, Calne, on Sunday and Easter Monday respectively.

Meanwhile, Steeple Ashton's James Vince has been named Hampshire's one-day captain.