HAMPSHIRE seamer Kyle Abbott believes his side's experience in big occasions could give them the edge against Somerset in tomorrow's Royal London One-Day Cup final at Lord's.
Hampshire have won three Lord's finals, including last year's One-Day Cup triumph, as well as two T20 Blast trophies, since Somerset last won a cup in 2005.
As a former South African international, Abbott is also no stranger to the big stage.
Speaking to
ESPN Cricinfo in the run-up to the final, the 31-year-old paceman said: "I always feel that it's a question of who holds their nerves on the day. I'd say it's a 50-50 contest in finals.
"I think where Hampshire have the edge over Somerset is that we have been to a Lord's final and to T20 Finals Day a lot more regularly than they have.
"That will help us on Saturday because suddenly for somebody the occasion will become bigger than it should be.
"Instead of Taunton they will be at Lord's on a bigger stage and nerves show."
Hampshire are without England World Cup duo Liam Dawson and James Vince on Saturday, while Somerset are set to be at full strength as Tom Banton is recovering well from the back spasm which saw him retire hurt for the Second XI on Tuesday.
You can follow live coverage from Saturday's final from Lord's as it happens at
countygazette.co.uk/sportREAD MORE: Interview - breakout star Banton looks ahead to Lord'sREAD MORE: Interview - Trego looks to banish 'bridesmaids' tagREAD MORE: The road to Lord's - Somerset's story so far...
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