Hampshire has signed Mark Stoneman on a one-year red-ball contract for the 2025 County Championship season, following James Vince’s decision to step away from first-class cricket. The experienced 37-year-old, previously with Middlesex, adds depth to a team that finished second in Division One last season. Vince, Hampshire’s long-time captain and top scorer, is replaced by wicketkeeper Ben Brown. Stoneman boasts 14,448 first-class runs and has played for England, including the 2017-18 Ashes. Hampshire’s director of cricket Giles White is optimistic about Stoneman’s contributions, while they also expect to announce the signing of New South Wales allrounder Jack Edwards soon.
Vince, who captained Hampshire in all formats for nearly a decade, will be succeeded by wicketkeeper-batter Ben Brown, who will take charge in the Championship. However, Vince’s departure as one of the club’s top scorers—having amassed 986 runs last season at an average of 49.30—places the responsibility on acquiring new talent at the Utilita Bowl, especially with the English domestic season commencing in just two months.
Stoneman is a dependable opening batter with 14,448 first-class runs at an average of 34.23, including 31 centuries. He developed his career at Durham, playing in three Championship-winning teams at Chester-le-Street and captaining their One-Day Cup victory in 2014, before moving to the Kia Oval for the 2017 season. He played a crucial role in Surrey’s 2018 title win, their first since 2002.
During his time at Surrey, Stoneman made 11 Test appearances for England, including the 2017-18 Ashes series, during which he reached fifty on five occasions but did not convert to a century. He joined Middlesex midway through 2021 (initially on loan) with a three-year contract, which they ultimately chose not to renew.
“I am eagerly anticipating joining Hampshire for the upcoming season,” Stoneman stated in a release from Hampshire on Thursday. “I am aware of the club’s strong desire to capture the Championship, especially after coming so close in recent years.
“There is an excellent group of players and coaches that I look forward to working with, and hopefully, we can secure that red-ball title by September.”
Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, remarked: “We believe Mark brings significant value. He has won Championships and competed at the highest level, and it was clear during our discussions that he is highly motivated to make a difference at the club.
“This partnership feels like a perfect match for both parties, and we are excited about his arrival.”