Michael Clarke is hoping to develop a long term relationship with Hampshire cricket - despite being favourite to succeed Steve Waugh in the Australia Test side.

Australia A captain Clarke, 22, is widely regarded as his country's best young batsman and is also an exceptional fielder and a useful left-arm spinner.

In the past 18 months he has been in outstanding form in Australian domestic cricket, averaging over 47 for New South Wales in the Pura Cup (formerly Sheffield Shield), and 55 in the ING Cup (national one-day competition).

Clarke is determined to continue that form at the Rose Bowl and win some silverware with Hampshire this summer - as well as a Test call-up.

Clarke, who is already a regular in Australia's one day side, said: "The new international playing calendar will decide what I can and cannot do more than I will.

"But I love playing cricket in England and would love to establish a long-term relationship, to have a home away from home

"I am excited about the challenge, the more chances I get to play for Hampshire the better for me.

"The biggest thing this year is to make an impact in every way possible and help Hampshire win as many trophies as I can.

"I would like to see the team be successful and hopefully I will play my role in that success. I want to improve my consistency and learn more about building a long innings."

Right-hander Clarke is considered the front runner behind 33-year-old Darren Lehmann to replace Waugh in the Test team.

Former Durham batsman Martin Love and Leicestershire's Brad Hodge, both 29, are the other contenders but Clarke, a teammate of former Hampshire star Simon Katich at New South Wales, has youth on his side.

He added: "I am not really thinking about whether playing for Hampshire will improve my chances of playing for Australia. When you perform all the rewards and selection in representative teams will flow from there."