FIDEL Edwards is looking forward to a long-term return to Hampshire after the Caribbean Premier League.

The West Indies fast bowler leaves after tonight’s T20 Blast match against Kent (7pm) at Canterbury to play in the CPL for the St Lucia Zouks.

But he will return next month, determined to build on his match-winning performance against Sussex at Hove – when he hopes to make his Hampshire move long-term.

The 33 year-old said: “I signed a Kolpak deal for Hampshire and hopefully I can extend that for the next couple of years.

“That’s my aim. Hampshire have had a lot of West Indian greats playing for them so hopefully I can do my best to join that bunch.”

Edwards has evoked memories of Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall during his month with Hampshire.

After bowling Essex’s Nick Browne with a spectacular first delivery for the county, he has hit top form.

His 1-20 from four overs against Somerset included a mesmerising contest against former Windies teammate Chris Gayle and a wicket maiden against Marcus Trescothick.

But it was his best first-class haul since taking 6-90 in the last of his 55 Tests that has whetted the appetite for more.

After taking 5-58 against Sussex this week, Edwards said: “I’m here to bowl fast and get batsmen out, so I enjoyed bowling downhill with the wind behind me.”

Edwards will enjoy warmer, more familiar climes when he plays his first match of the forthcoming CPL against his former Trinidad & Tobago teammates a week on Sunday.

Later this month he will be up against Gayle again when he takes on Jamaica. “I’ll have to bring my ‘A game’ again,” he said.

The CPL final is on July 26 so Edwards is expected to be available for Hampshire’s last five Championship matches and, assuming they qualify, the T20 quarter-finals.

His departure comes a week after Andre Adams announced his retirement. But after Jackson Bird took five wickets on his Championship debut, Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams does not expect a replacement bowler to be signed in the interim.

Hampshire will be determined to avenge last month’s shock defeat at home to South Group leaders Kent and last week’s away loss against Somerset at Taunton at Canterbury tonight.