Udal tips Warne to shine

Shaun Udal © Getty Images

Hampshire veteran Shaun Udal hopes Shane Warne can inspire Liverpool Victoria County Championship success at the Rose Bowl next year.

Legendary leg-spinner Warne, Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker with 699 victims, announced his retirement from the international game on Thursday.

The 37-year-old, however, intends to serve the remaining two years on his Hampshire contract and Udal is looking forward to linking up with his fellow spinner again.

Udal said: “He is going to be around for another couple of seasons and it would be nice to bring that Championship back to Hampshire.
“The whole club has progressed so much and hopefully we can add a championship.”

Warne first joined Hampshire in 2000 and returned as captain in 2004. He has helped them finish runner-up in the Championship twice and win the 2005 C&G Trophy.

Udal also believes the arrival of Warne turned around his own career and gave it the impetus that led to England Test recognition last year.

Shane Warne (left) and Shaun Udal in Hampshire colours

Udal received a belated call-up for England’s tour of Pakistan 10 years after he had been given a handful of chances in the national one-day side.
“He is a sporting icon in my eyes,” Udal said. “I have never made any secret of what he has done for my career.

“He gave me belief to win games when you wouldn’t have thought you could win it. I played for England last year and a lot of that was down to him.

“He is a magnificent person and cricketer, certainly the best spinner the world has produced.

“He will be remembered as, undoubtedly, one of the all-time great cricketers, if not the greatest.”

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove feels Australia’s loss will very much be his county’s gain.

Bransgrove said: “It is clear that Shane's retirement from the international game is a monumental loss to world cricket.

“At the same time, it is fantastic for Hampshire cricket and our supporters that he has chosen to see out his playing career at the Rose Bowl.

“Shane has been a cornerstone of the restructuring of Hampshire cricket over recent years that has seen the team develop into an attractive and seriously competitive unit.

“I never doubted his intentions to fulfil his contract with Hampshire and I know that I speak for all Hampshire fans when I congratulate him on his achievements to date and look forward to seeing him back at the Rose Bowl next year.”