Warne signs new Hants deal

10 March 2005 | By Tim Sanderson

Shane Warne hopes to become a Hampshire resident

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has committed his long-term future to Hampshire by signing a new contract which will keep him with the south coast side for at least another two years.

Test cricket's leading wicket-taker, who plans to become a Hampshire resident after buying a property in the area, has signed a two-year deal with an option for another two years after that.

Tim Tremlett, Hampshire's Director of Cricket, told ecb.co.uk: “We are obviously delighted that Shane has committed himself to a long-term deal at Hampshire.

“He likes the area and is looking forward to being part of a progressive team that is going places.

“Shane is a magnificent player in his own right but he also has tremendous pull in attracting new players to the club as we look to build a team for the future.”

Warne took over the captaincy last year after joining Hampshire in 2000 and is expected to miss a significant proportion of the coming season representing Australia in the npower Ashes Series against England.