Warne leaves Hampshire

Shane Warne waves goodbye

Hampshire have confirmed that spinner Shane Warne will not return to play for the county in the forthcoming domestic campaign.

Rose Bowl plc chairman Rod Bransgrove admitted that Warne's increasing business interests and family life would impact on his availability for the county.

Warne took 276 first-class wickets for Hampshire at an average of 25.59 with best match figures of seven for 99 against Middlesex at the Rose Bowl.

What are your favourite memories of Shane Warne?

He also contributed 2,040 runs with the bat with a highest score of 107 against Kent at Canterbury in 2005.

The leg-spinner said: "Good luck to all involved at the Rose Bowl I wish you all the best.

"I was very lucky to have played with such a wonderful group of guys, thanks for the great times - thank you very much for your support and friendship.

"To all the support staff at the Rose Bowl, thank you for making my time at the club an enjoyable experience and making me feel so welcome.

"To all the fans that have turned up to watch the Hawks play, thank you very much for embracing me as one of you, and supporting me and the team, it meant a lot to me.

"To Dimi (Dimitri Mascarenhas), the new captain, who is also one of my best friends, good luck with it all buddy, my thoughts are with you and the guys."

Hampshire team manager Paul Terry added: "I have been extremely lucky to have had the best seat in the house for the past few years working closely with this legend.

"I'm very sorry, although not entirely surprised Warne has come to this decision.

"Most importantly it's his deep affection for his three lovely kids that strongly influenced this decision and it's now he feels the time is right to spend more time with them.

"He has been fantastic for the club with his incredible enthusiasm, drive and skill as captain.

"He will be missed considerably on the field as there has never been anyone better but most importantly he will leave behind a host of friends that he has made through his kindness, generosity and loyalty.

"He will be missed, but certainly never forgotten, and I personally thank him for the experience and wish him fantastic success in all his future endeavours."

27 March 2008