Hayden rejects Hampshire

Matthew Hayden has turned down an offer to return to Hampshire as their second overseas player for 2006. He has decided that he needs a break from the game ahead of the Ashes series next winter.

Hayden, who made almost 1500 runs for Hampshire in 1997, has returned to form in dramatic style during the Australian season with 949 at 73 in seven Tests - a resurgence that began at The Oval in September with his backs-to-the-wall century.

However, despite Shane Warne begin Hampshire's captain the club have been unable to come to an agreement with Hayden, but are hopeful he will return sometime in the future.

Rod Bransgrove, the chairman, told BBC Radio Solent: "We couldn't quite reach an agreement, but I'm sure he will return in the future. Matt will have played 16 months of consecutive cricket by the time our season starts. He was keen to come back and see the club from the inside after all the developments. He loved his time here in 1997."