HAMPSHIRE's batting line-up has been given a welcome boost by the returns of captain George Bailey and Liam Dawson for the visit of county champions Essex.

Bailey, who was bowled for three in his only appearance during the World XI's 2-1 series defeat against Pakistan in Lahore, is back for Hampshire's last two matches.

His return, together with that of Dawson, is a much-needed boost to a Hampshire side that has failed to reach 300 in the first innings of four of their last five Specsavers County Championship matches.

This looks set to be Hampshire's first season since 2012 in which no-one will reach the 1,000-run milestone, admittedly in a Championship reduced by two matches following this year's restructure.

But it will not be easy against an Essex side that clinched their first title for 25 years last week.

Hampshire are only 12 points off the bottom two going into their final two games.

Their focus remains on breaking into the top three for the first time since 2005, after slipping to fourth, a point below Surrey, following last week’s rain-decimated match against Middlesex.

Surrey are at home to Somerset at The Oval while reigning champions Middlesex host Lancashire at Lord’s.

Former Hampshire star Adam Wheater and seamer Paul Walter are in the champions' squad of 13 for their Ageas Bowl visit after being added to the XI that beat Warwickshire.

If Wheater plays it will be his first Championship match against Hampshire since leaving the county last year.

The Ageas Bowl's last first-class match of the season is likely to feature the three leading wicket-takers in the Championship's top flight.

Jamie Porter will be looking to strengthen his chances of an England tour this winter.

The spearhead of Essex's title challenge sits atop the wicket-taking charts with 64 at 17.85 apiece, just ahead of off-spinning teammate Simon Harmer (63 at 20.19) and Hampshire's Kyle Abbott (48 at 19.45).

Alastair Cook was made available to Essex, but has not been included.

Hampshire (from): Weatherley, Adams, Alsop, Vince, Bailey (capt), Ervine, Dawson, Berg, Abbott, Crane, Edwards, Wheal, Holland.

Essex (from): Chopra, Browne, Westley, Lawrence, Bopara, Ten Doeschate, Foster, Harmer, Wagner, Porter, S Cook, Walter, Wheater.