GSL has 'come at the right time' for Hampshire's Orr

Ali Orr of Hampshire celebrates reaching his century during the Vitality County Championship match between Hampshire and Durham at the Utilita BowlImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Ali Orr has a strike rate of 158 from his 11 T20 innings

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Hampshire batter Ali Orr has said the Global Super League tournament has "come at the right time" for him after a frustrating season with injury.

Orr is part of the Hampshire squad that has travelled to Guyana in South America to compete in the inaugural five-team T20 competition.

The 23-year-old signed for Hampshire from Sussex ahead of the 2024 season but ended up missing most of the campaign through injury.

"It felt like things were just starting to go my way at Hampshire and to then break my arm was frustrating," Orr told BBC Radio Solent.

"Coming here, though, I feel like a part of it all and I can’t wait to get going. I thought it was going to be a long winter but this tournament has come just at the right time for me.

"It’s a great way to be around everyone but also play competitive cricket and we’re hoping we can win the tournament."

Also competing are Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders, Pakistan’s Lahore Qalandars, Guyana's Amazon Warriors and Australian state side Victoria.

The five sides will play for the chance to be crowned champions and win a prize pot of $1million (£764,000).

The Hawks take on Rangpur Riders on Wednesday in their first game with 11 matches taking place in as many days, starting on Tuesday, 26 November.

Each team will place each other once, with the top two in the group meeting in the final on Saturday, 7 December.

"My first impressions over here have been really good," Orr said.

"I’m so excited to get going with the guys and it's a new experience for me and my first time doing franchise cricket.

"The pace and intensity will be so high, there's players here I watched on the TV when I was younger and I can't wait to play against them."