Warne's commitment unquestioned, says Smith

The commitment shown by Shane Warne to his Hampshire team mates is brought to the fore this week, when he arrives hot-foot from the Super Challenge in Melbourne, arriving at 7:00 am at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning, to be picked up by Director of Cricket, Tim Tremlett and taken direct to Canterbury, where he will take his place in the Hampshire side for the vital match against Kent.

Robin Smith talking to me at Colchester today (Sunday) emphasised this commitment. "Many people thought he was just here for the fast buck, but to the contrary Shane is a true team man, and he wants to help his adopted county fight his way out of the relegation predictment we find ourself in". Smith continued, "It would have been easy for Warnie to have opted out of this one, complaining of jetlag etc., but we know his commitment to Hampshire, and he is keen to play".

Hampshire still have injury worries over Peter Hartley, his hamstring injury has not healed and is doubtfull for the match. Adi Aymes who missed the National League match at Colchester with a septic finger is expected to return.

Hampshire take 15 players to Canterbury .. Derek Kenway, Jason Laney, Will Kendall, Robin Smith (c), Giles White, Adi Aymes (wk), Shaun Udal, Shane Warne, Alex Morris, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Alan Mullally, Chris Tremlett, Peter Hartley, Laurence Prittipaul and John Stephenson.