EXPLOSIVE batsman George Munsey revealed there had been interest in his services from other counties for the T20 Blast but added: “Hampshire was always my number one choice.”

The Scotland international on Monday confirmed a deal to join up with the Ageas Bowl outfit for the shortest format of the game.

Munsey, who boasts an impressive strike-rate of 159.78 in 45 IT20 appearances for his country, is set to be available for the duration of the domestic competition, with Hampshire set to contest 10 group fixtures.

Asked whether there had been other counties interested in his services, the left-hander told BBC Radio Solent: “There were a few but I work quite closely with my agent and Hampshire was always my number one choice.

“I was down here in 2018 and just loved the environment, loved the dressing room and they’ve got a great coaching staff.

“It’s a really good opportunity for me, not only to come here and play, but to also try to learn off the other guys, the coaches and try to take all their experiences and put them into my own.

“I went away wanting to be a part of it. I am really thankful I have a chance here to play with Hampshire in the Vitality Blast when it starts and I am just looking forward to having some fun.

“It’s going to be another good opportunity for myself and I am looking forward to every moment playing with a new team – but a team I know quite well.”

Munsey showed his class on the international stage when he smashed a remarkable 127 from 56 deliveries for Scotland against the Netherlands in September last year.

And the Oxford-born star is eager to play to his strengths in the short form.

“White ball is something I focus on – especially in the Associate world,” he added.

“We don’t play too much red-ball cricket, so it’s quite easy to focus on white ball.

“Especially T20, it sort of suits my nature, my style and what I want to implement on cricket.”

Hampshire begin their T20 Blast campaign at Kent on Thursday (2pm).