Returning for 2026!
Makes perfect sense, replace the fading aging Rushworth with.... hmmm. Barker is 39?
Strange move ?
They clearly think the pace bowling is our weaker suit as that's now Thompson, Gilchrist and Barker in for 2026.
To be fair we do have very talented young batsmen on the books at present.
His departure from Edgbaston was strange, his return even stranger. I don't think he's played for Hampshire all year and another notch on the calendar isn't going to improve his fitness.
Is there something else to this? A coaching role?
He was banned from playing for 12 months after failing a drugs test. That ban ended last month but he’s been further sidelined by injury.
There’s a chance he could return for Hants this weekend.