WILL Kendall will captain Hampshire in Shane Warne's absence.

Kendall, who was Robin Smith's vice captain for two years before the role was dropped last year, will take over from Warne for the championship match against Yorkshire at Headingley, which starts on Wednesday.

The right-handed batsman will also skipper Hampshire in the championship against Nottinghamshire (June 2-5), in the Totesport League games away to Lancashire and Gloucestershire, and in the C & G Trophy tie against Gloucestershire on May 29.

Hampshire manager Paul Terry, wno made the decision with Shane Warne, said: "Will's the best man for the job, he's got a pretty good cricket brain, he's in good form, and is very well respected in the dressing room.

"He's happy with his batting at the moment so I don't think it will affect his form."