Hampshire batter Ali Orr says his match-saving half-century against Surrey meant “a huge amount” as he continues to battle to establish himself in the first team.
The 25-year-old hit 53 not out from 121 balls as Hampshire batted out their rain-affected Championship match to draw at the Kia Oval on Wednesday.
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The result takes them off the bottom of the table with 53 points from their opening seven matches.
It was Orr’s first Championship appearance of the season, and he told BBC Radio Solent he really needed the opportunity, and the runs.
“It’s been a frustrating start to the season for me, obviously not being around it when I’ve wanted to be,” he said.
“But it’s credit to the coaching staff, there’s always been clear communication.
“However, to be patient and get to play my first game at the Oval which is quite a special place… so thanks to them for selecting me and believing in me that I could do a job, and hopefully going forward continuing to help team performances.”
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Hampshire were able to persuade opener Orr’s boyhood club Sussex to terminate his contract a year early before the start of the 2024 season.
Since then, however, Orr has only played 11 first-class matches, passing 50 twice, including his one century against Durham in 2024, and has also struggled with injury.
He might have hoped for better fortune with the arrival of new head coach Russell Domingo last winter, but has still played just two matches in all formats in 2026.
“I came to Hampshire to play and to win games and make a difference, and it’s obviously frustrating, because you want to play as much cricket as possible,” he added.
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“It’s a professional sport, you come in and out of teams, so hopefully I can take the opportunity and go from there.
“It’s definitely, for me, about being a bit more calmer, and being more confident.”
Hampshire will visit Orr’s old club Sussex in their next Championship match on Friday, 19 June, and he says his current team will travel there with increased belief.
“To get a good draw in a big game (at the Oval) was good,” he added. “It was what the team needed. Now we want to go to Sussex and get the win.
“We’re looking to battle back. We’re not where we want to be, but we’ll get to where we want to be by the end of the year.
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“Hampshire is a big club, a very successful club, and this is not where we belong. It feels like the tide is changing and we are playing better cricket.
“We’re here to fight, and we’re not just going to lie down and stay at the bottom. We believe we can stay up, and that we can do special things.”
You can hear ball-by-ball commentary on every County Championship match via BBC Sounds.
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