Hampshire sign Watson

Shane Watson

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson is to return to Hampshire this summer for their Twenty20 Cup campaign.

Watson helped Hants win the 2005 Friends Provident Trophy during his previous stint at the Rose Bowl.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "Watto was an instant hit with members and fans of Hampshire when he was here in 2004 and I, for one, am very excited at the prospect of seeing him here again this summer.

"It is fair to say that we have under-performed in the Twenty20 Cup so far, and we have been saying for a while that 2008 will see us focusing more and more on this exciting competition.

"Our signing of such a fantastic talent as Shane Watson shows our clear intent to compete hard to be in the finals day that we are so proudly hosting in July.”