Barker's 'tough year' as he prepares for Hants exit

Hampshire all-rounder Keith Barker has described the past year as "very tough" after he had to take a year away from the sport following a positive drugs test.

Barker returned a positive out-of-competition test in July 2024 which contained an adverse analytical finding for the drug indapamide, which is used to treat hypertension.

The 38-year-old will now leave Hampshire - where he has been since 2019 - and re-sign for his previous club Warwickshire.

"It's a shame to be finishing but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here," Barker told BBC Radio Solent.

"It's been a very tough year for me but I'm glad the club have stuck with me and helped me through that time, especially my team-mates.

"There was a mess up from my side and the medical department's side at the time [on the positive test].

"When it happened I was hoping things wouldn't get dragged out for too long and in the end it was a year but it was tough dealing with it."

Following the completion of his 12-month-ban, Barker has been able to make two appearances for Hampshire to close out the season.

After playing for Hampshire's second side, Barker returned to the first-team once more for County Championship contests against Sussex and Somerset.

"Not being able to be around my team-mates and train properly was hard," Barker added

"Luckily I had my family there to support me but its then been great to get back into training recently and play some games for Hampshire."

The all-rounder will now return to Warwickshire where he spent 10 seasons between 2009 and 2018 - taking 357 wickets and scoring six first-class centuries.

He also helped the club win the County Championship title in 2012.

During his time at Hampshire, Barker took 179 first-class wickets at an average of 24.

"If someone had said to me that I'd done better with my stats, especially at the back end of my career then I'd have taken it," he added.

"I'm really happy with how it's gone but I couldn't have done that without my team-mates, without them it wouldn't have been possible.

"Things don't always go to plan but I'm grateful that I've been able to play and represent Hampshire again these last few weeks."