Liam Dawson is using his presidential experiences in the Pakistan Super League to help Hampshire to success this season.

All-rounder Dawson played nine games for Peshawar Zalmi in the Twenty20 competition ahead of the season, and managed 145 runs and eight wickets to help his side reach the final.

And due to tight security restrictions in Pakistan following the Lahore attack on Sri Lankan players in 2009, Dawson was able to feel completely secure before playing in front of red hot crowds.

“We had the same security as a president or prime minister would get,” Dawson explained. “The army got involved.

“That is how much they want cricket out there, they love cricket in Pakistan. We were out there for a month and never felt in danger once.

“For three or four hours it was non-stop cheering and it was really loud.

“That is the atmosphere you want to play cricket in, it makes cricket fun.

“The standard was exceptional. There was good pace and good spin and was a strong competition to play in.

“I probably didn’t bowl as well as I should have but that is what happens in T20 as a spinner against international batsmen and small boundaries.

“The standard (In Pakistan) was exceptional. There was good pace and good spin and was a strong competition to play in.”

“Originally I was due to bat at six or seven but I did a good job and got into some form and made some good contributions in big games which was very pleasing.

“I’d love to go back. It was a great tournament and it was fun to play in.”

Hampshire travel to Nottinghamshire on Friday for their fourth Specsavers County Championship fixture of the season – looking to extend their unbeaten run against Notts in red ball cricket to six matches.

James Vince’s side have won, drawn and lost their opening three encounters in this year’s competition – including a weather-affected stalemate with Essex last week.

Gareth Berg is likely to be recalled to the XI for the trip to Trent Bridge after his fiancée Ally gave birth to the couple’s first child together, Raife Alexander.

However Sam Northeast will remain absent due to a fractured finger, with Joe Weatherley set to keep his spot opening the batting.

And Weatherley is hoping to use his know-how of facing Notts’ strong bowling attack while on loan at Kent last season to his advantage.

“While at Kent I played against some strong teams like Notts under lights at Trent Bridge with the pink ball facing the likes of Patterson, Ball and Gurney,” Weatherley said.

“Those sorts of experiences I will looking to use and draw upon.”

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