WILL Smith is determined to help Hampshire create a winning culture at all levels as the county’s second team captain - after scoring two match-winning centuries in his first two games in the role.

Smith was an ever-present in Hampshire’s Specsavers County Championship side last season but lost his place following the signing of Rilee Rossouw and the return to health of Michael Carberry.

He has also been usurped by England Lion Tom Alsop, the injured Rossouw’s replacement against Yorkshire last week.

But he responded by scoring an unbeaten 108 in captaining Hampshire to a seven-wicket win in their first Second Eleven Championship match of the season, at home to Surrey on Thursday.

He followed that with 130 and 2-38 as Hampshire won their first Second Eleven Trophy match of the season, by 17 runs at home to the Unicorns.

“It was disappointing but not surprising [to be left out] because we have so much strength in depth,” he said.

“I’ll always want to play every game possible but we all want Hampshire to win games and if that means me captaining the seconds and keeping that winning momentum there that’s good enough for me.

“I’m very realistic as to where I stand but it’s important to have a winning culture.”

Chris Wood (72 & 4-34) and Mason Crane (5-77) were among those to impress against Surrey II.

“Last season proved that you need a strong squad because you don’t know what will happen,” said Smith.

“The start to the season has been massively exciting but one of the challenges of having such a strong squad is keeping everyone happy.

“That’s part of my job as captain of the second team, to keep that positive mentality.

"Hopefully that means we have some good performances. Woody put in a massive effort and bowled very well.

“He hit the deck hard and bowled with great skill. He hasn’t bowled in a properly competitive environment for a long time so that will have been good for his confidence.

“Mason never lacks confidence, that’s one of his strengths, and he bowled with good control, using all his variations.”