ESSEX Eagles could be set to introduce a new face into their line-up when they face Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl in the Royal London One-Day Cup today.

Anthony McGrath will select from a 13-man squad that includes Zimbabwe-born bowler Shane Snater, who now plays international cricket for the Netherlands.

At 22 years of age, the right-armer has claimed 12 wickets in three first-class matches, including two five-wicket hauls, plus seven wickets in 10 List A games, with best figures of 3 for 30 against Zimbabwe.

All-rounder Callum Taylor is also named in the party as Jamie Porter is given a rest.

And Ryan ten Doeschate wants an improved performance, particularly from the batting unit, as the Eagles look to get back to winning ways, following Sunday’s defeat at Gloucestershire.

“We didn’t bat well, we lost four quick wickets after the first powerplay when some of our batters lost their wickets cheaply,” captain ten Doeschate admitted.

“We weren’t at our best and didn’t deserve to win. People are allowed to make mistakes as they are human, but it is about how we learn from them going forward. Overall, we were a bit off the pace and we certainly need to be better as a batting unit if we are to do well against Hampshire.”

“We knew starting this competition with three away games would be tough and with only eight matches in the qualifying group, you don’t want to be playing catch-up,” said head coach Anthony McGrath. “You can’t afford a slow start and it’s really important to get the points on the board as soon as you can.

“We played some fantastic cricket in the 50 over competition last year and the standards we can achieve are evident so we need to rediscover that touch quickly.”

Injuries have restricted the choice of selection thus far but the positive news is that a number of players are close to returning.

“Paul Walter, Matt Quinn and Matt Coles are all close to being available for selection and that will give us the opportunity to refresh our bowling unit,” the Eagles Head coach stated.

“Meanwhile, we have to pick ourselves up after Sunday’s game and look to record our second win in the competition which would set us up nicely because we then have three home matches in succession.”

Eagles squad: Ten Doeschate, Bopara, Chopra, Cook, Foster, Harmer, Lawrence, Snater, Taylor, Wagner, Westley, Wheater, Zaidi