Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson is set to return to competitive action on Sunday afternoon after a seven-week groin injury lay off.

Sidelined since Hampshire’s opening NatWest t20 Blast defeat by Glamorgan on May 16, Dawson will play in the Academy’s attractive t20 clash against Southern Electric Cup holders South Wilts on the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground (2pm).

Dawson is eager to get match fit and is targeting Hampshire’s t20 match against Middlesex on July 11 for a potential first team comeback.

It will be the first time the 24-year old Wiltshire raised all-rounder has played for the Hampshire Academy side since 2010. He spent his formative years in Tony Middleton’s academy set up and, ironically, played his first match against South Wilts in June 2006, when Jimmy Adams skippered the side – and Australia’s Chris Rogers hit 96 not out to win a 50-over Southern Electric Premier League game for the Bemerton club.

A raw teenage Dawson spent three seasons in the academy before establishing himself in the full county side.

Lewis McManus is also included in a strong looking Academy side against the cup holders.

Admission to the match is free.

Hampshire Academy: Weatherley, McManus, Dawson, Alsop, Goodwin, Webb, Stokes, Gorvin, Taylor, Crane, Murray.