Robin Smith talks about Shane Warne

Hampshire have started the countdown to the conclusion of the season knowing that they still have a chance of landing a trophy to repay overseas signing Shane Warne for his massive contribution within the club.

Warne departs for 12 days on Australian duty on August 6, an absence which had not looked that costly given Hampshire's disappointing campaign so far this summer.

Tuesday's convincing seven-wicket victory over Middlesex at Lord's changed the outlook to their season and booked a NatWest Trophy semi-final berth on either August 12 or 13, which they will now have to contemplate without Warne's considerable skills.

Until their quarter-final victory, Hampshire were in desparation at the bottom of the National League second division and next-to-bottom of the championship's first division - hardly a return for their outlays on Warne and Alan Mullally during the close-season.

That financial expense, though, has been good value according to captain Robin Smith, who now wants his side to repay Warne by claiming a NatWest Final place for his return.

"Warney's been worth every single penny we've paid for him and more," stated Smith. "He's a fantastic team man and to have him on our side has been absolutely superb.

"I've played with some seriously great cricketers, but Warne's enthusiasm and encouragement - never mind what he can do with a ball in his hand - makes him second to none.

"I'd love to get through to the final without him now just for him and him alone just for what he has done for Hampshire this season.

"He loves playing at Lord's, he calls it his home from home and lets hope we can return here for him so he has something to look forward to when he comes back."

Warne was forced to step out of the limelight as all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas claimed a career-best four for 25 to help dismiss Middlesex for a lowly 127, a target Hampshire overhauled with 15.1 overs to spare.

But Smith admitted the extra pressure of having expensive signings like Warne and Mullally in their line-up has taken its toll on their performances and has been a factor in their disappointing championship form.

"With the season we've had so far, it was unbelievably important for us to do well today," he revealed. "I'm delighted because it takes a lot of pressure off me as captain.

"I've felt the strain and stress as skipper. The expectation level has been enormous and that has contributed to the way we have played."