LARGER-than-life Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne is ready to be the catalyst for bringing the glory days back to Hampshire.

Warne's passion and enthusiasm for the game is second to none and that can only be a great plus for a club looking for a team worthy of its spectacular surroundings at the Rose Bowl.

Warne (pictured), the first spinner to take 500 test wickets, only returned to the game in February after a drugs ban kept him out for a year.

However, the spin king will take the positives from that year - and it could well benefit him in the long run. Without doubt, he looks a leaner model than when he last played for Hampshire in 2000.

Speaking at a press conference at the Rose Bowl this week, Warne said: "The year away has given my shoulder and fingers a chance to heal after operations and I felt I was bowling better than ever when playing for Australia in the recent test series against Sri Lanka."

He was the player of the series for the Aussies, taking 26 wickets in three test matches.

After last season's failed attempt to gain promotion to the top flight of the County Championship, Warne knows that this goal is top of the wish-list for his employers - and as captain he has vowed to do his best to make it happen.

Warne said: "Like everyone in this division, promotion has to be our aim and we have a good enough group of guys to achieve that."

He added: "After last season's poor performance, now is the time for players to deliver. I want to play an aggressive style of cricket which will be exciting for the fans as we will try to win every game.

"Of course, there will be times when we will have to dig in and get a draw and I would hope the players will be tough enough for that challenge."

Along with Warne, Hampshire have signed another Australian in Michael Clarke, who has been given a glowing reference from his new skipper.

Warne said: "He is the best young player to come out of Australia since Ricky Ponting and is a very good signing."

Also added to the Hampshire outfit this year are opening batsman Michael Brown, from Middlesex, and seam bowler Billy Taylor, from Sussex.

With expected test and one-day call-ups for Warne and Clarke, the county side have signed Shane Watson to act as cover. The Australian is due to arrive next month.

Hampshire open their County Championship campaign today at the Rose Bowl against Durham, with Warne leading his team out for the first time.

The match should also see new recruits Clarke, Brown and Taylor make their county debuts.