Clark hints at Hampshire move

Stuart Clark could be heading to Hampshire in a couple of months time © Getty Images

Stuart Clark, the most high profile omission from Australia's World Cup squad, could return to county cricket during the off season if a deal with Hampshire can be arranged. It would mean an enticing partnership with Shane Warne, who he shared 49 wickets with during the Ashes series.

Discussions about a move to the Rose Bowl began during the Ashes series, but it had been widely expected that Clark would line-up for the World Cup and be part of Australia's long-term one-day plans. Now, though, he is eager to play more cricket in an aim to show confirm his standing among Australia's best all-round pacemen

"The chance to play with Warney again would be fantastic," Clark told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I have really enjoyed the few opportunities I have had to bowl with him in the past, and to get the chance to do that again would be great.

"My immediate focus is on this Pura Cup season with NSW, but beyond that, there are certainly a few opportunities out there. I have played for Middlesex quite recently, and there was talk earlier this season about an opportunity at Hampshire. We might look to reopen those talks. It's in my manager's hands."

Clark's stint with Middlesex came in 2004 and 2005. During his time at Lord's be bagged 25 wickets at 25 apiece and was called up to Australia's Ashes squad in 2005 as cover for Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee, but didn't make his debut until the tour of South Africa in March 2006.