Warne quits Hawks

11:54am Monday 31st March 2008

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HAMPSHIRE captain Shane Warne will not be returning to May's Bounty this summer as the Australian spin king has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

The skipper of the Hawks was already due to miss a large chunk of the season due to his poker and Indian Premier League commitments, but he has now decided to end his time with the south-coast side.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "I know this will be a major disappointment to many fans of both Hampshire and Shane but, after much discussion and soul-searching, it has become clear to both of us that Shane can no longer make the commitment required to continue to lead Hampshire."

He added: "Hampshire Cricket have been hugely privileged to have enjoyed the unstinting loyalty of this living legend since 2000.

"The most effective and entertaining bowler of all time, Shane was also a brilliant leader and strategist. As our captain, his influence was instrumental in the development of Hampshire into one of the country's top sides and he enriched the game wherever he played."

Warne, announcing his decision in Melbourne, said: "My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a wonderful experience - memories that will last with me forever and likewise the friendships that have been formed at the club.

"Unfortunately, I am retiring from all first-class cricket, but will participate in the IPL with the Jaipur franchise as captain and coach."

Hampshire have acted quickly to fill the vacant captain's position by appointing England one-day star Dimitri Mascarenhas as their new skipper.

The 30-year old, London-born and Australia-raised player made his first appearance for Hampshire as an unknown 18-year-old in September 1996.

An overnight sensation, he took 6-88 in Glamorgan's first innings at the old County Ground in Southampton and snapped up three more wickets second time around to finish with marvellous match figures of 9-150.

A delighted Mascarenhas said: "It is a huge honour to be made captain of such a prestigious club, following in the footsteps of the likes of Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, Mark Nicholas and the great Shane Warne.

"I hope to bring great success to the club and Hampshire supporters."

The England star will, however, miss the start of the season as he will be playing with Warne in the IPL from April 18 to June 1.