Batsman Ali Orr spoke to The News ahead of the new County Championship season
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00:00 Yes, obviously a big big change for you this time obviously moving across from Sussex where you've spent your whole career and gone through the E-Franks there.
00:06 Yeah, so yeah, how's it been in Hampshire?
00:09 It's been amazing, it's been really good, the guys have been really welcoming, just been a really nice change.
00:14 Yeah, I know the weather's in a great at the moment but it's been really nice and just being here the whole winter, it's been a long cold winter but no, really nice to meet everyone and get settled really.
00:23 Yeah, so you spent the winter in Hampshire and the facilities there.
00:27 Yeah, so it was more up and down before Christmas and then I actually settled a bit more and moved into a place here in Hampshire so I feel a little bit more settled.
00:34 Yeah?
00:34 Yeah, it's nice.
00:36 How's life going in terms of Hampshire?
00:38 Yeah, no it's good actually, lovely place, just discovered Winchester, Winchester's a lovely spot.
00:43 But no, no, it's a lovely new place and yeah, just getting used to it.
00:47 Yeah, absolutely. And what made you choose Hampshire?
00:52 I'd say more than anything I think it's really the winning mentality, I think it's a club that has massive ambitions to go places and it's clear to see they are going places to finish top three in all the World Matches last year.
01:06 I think it's a massive thing for the club, hopefully to come into that and try and win something, get up and yeah, compete in all formats.
01:15 Yeah, so in terms of your personal ambitions as well, seeing that it's a new team, so obviously coming into a new dynamic, a new role, what do you want to see for your personally this year?
01:24 I think when it comes to ambitions like this I find it quite tricky to put numerical ambitions in there.
01:31 I think for me, being in a new team, I want to try and settle the team and cement my place because I know being down here is very competitive, each team, very, like, spots are obviously scarce and you've got to perform well to be in the squad.
01:43 So I think for me to start with is to settle into the squad and hopefully cement my place at the top of the order in the Red Bull and then see where it goes from there.
01:50 Hopefully, if I'm patient enough, play my way, hopefully the runs will come and we'll see how it goes.
01:56 Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Obviously, yeah, so you've kind of come third the last two years in a row, do you think you can bring something extra to the team?
02:06 I hope so, I mean, I can't predict too much, but yeah, hopefully we can bring a few runs and a bit of intent to the top of the order and we'll see how it goes.
02:15 Perfect. Obviously, you're aiming to go multi-format as well to play a role and obviously challenge this year?
02:23 Yes, absolutely. I mean, I've played against Hampshire enough now to actually play here at the Utility Barwoods Special.
02:31 Looking forward to coming up against your old team potentially in the...
02:34 Well, we've got them in a pre-season game tomorrow actually, so yeah, looking forward to it. So it'll be nice to get back.
02:39 Perfect. Thanks, mate.
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