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Cricket: Liam Dawson is hoping he is given the chance to fill Shane Warne's boots at Hampshire after the Australian legend's departure.

The 18-year-old, from Hazel Grove, in Calne, is entering his second season with Hampshire and, in the wake of Warne's retirement from first class cricket, could be in line for a starring role at the Rose Bowl this year.

But England U19 spinner Dawson is keen to state he feels he could be the long-term solution rather than an instant replacement for the legend.

"Everything is up in the air and nobody knows who is going to have a chance," he said.

"Shane leaving wasn't a big shock and it's not going to affect my game because I didn't play enough with him.

"I watched him and tried to learn but, although it is going to make a massive difference to the club, it's not going to for me."

Dawson is desperate to prove his worth this season, but concedes he is nervous as it could be a make-or-break year for him.

"I'm still nervous because I still have to prove myself and take my chances in the squad," said the former John Bentley School pupil who has two years left on his Hampshire deal.

"I don't think I have done anything in the first or second team games to say I am doing well yet.

"I can't relax. If you have that attitude and relax you could fall into bad habits.

"You have to treat the season like a one year deal."

But, between now and the season opener at home to Northants on Tuesday, there is a lot of work to be done for Dawson and his fellow teammates.

He said: "I don't know if I will play in that, I would love to, but I've still got to prove myself in the second team.

"We are doing lots of fitness but we are trying to make it as fun as possible.

"Anything we do we are making it into a competition, press ups, running, anything."

n Liam Dawson will be writing an exclusive weekly cricket column for the Gazette throughout the summer, with his unique insight into the Hampshire dressing room.

9:20am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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