Warne's eye-opening birthday

Shane Warne will not forget his 37th birthday after a day of highs and lows at the Rose Bowl which saw his Hampshire side beaten by Worcestershire in the NatWest Pro40.

Warne began the day by receiving an honorary doctorate from Southampton Solent University for services to cricket, and he paraded around the outfield with a gown and mortar board over his cricket uniform.

But he was later struck in the face while batting and needed stitches in a deep wound above his right eye.

To compound his woes, Worcestershire triumphed by 24 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain cut short their reply, lifting the Royals to joint top of the Second Division with Gloucestershire.

Warne had promoted himself to three in the Hampshire order and looked in fine form after hitting three fours in a rapid 13.

But a short delivery from fellow Australian Matt Mason lodged in the grill of his helmet as he attempted to hook.

Warne had to leave the field but bravely returned later with his side deep in trouble at 121 for eight.

He lasted only four more balls and scored one more run before edging Zaheer Khan to wicket-keeper Steven Davies.

Warne reported a severe headache later and will visit hospital on Thursday to have the injury checked out.

But Hampshire manager Paul Terry claimed Warne would not miss any cricket.

Terry said: "Shane has a bit of a headache and a bit of blurry vision but I don't think it is anything to worry about."

Hampshire, put in by Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki, mustered only 131, Dominic Thornely top-scoring with 60.

Warne and Shaun Udal, both of whom made 14, were the next highest scorers.

Zaheer, utilising helpful bowling conditions, finished with 3-22 and spinner Gareth Batty extracted lift and turn to take 3-17.

As rain clouds formed and fearing the game would be settled by the Duckworth-Lewis method, Worcestershire made a positive response.

They soon lost opener Stephen Moore and Solanki but some adventurous hitting by Lou Vincent enabled them to take command.

The New Zealander made 32 and Worcestershire were in a relatively powerful position at 72 for three when rain intervened.