Hampshire today confirmed Australian batsman Simon Katich as their second overseas player, writes Simon Walter.

Left-handed batsman Katich, 27, will arrive at the Rose Bowl on a one-year contract.

Katich, who played one first class game for Yorkshire at the end of last season, is likely to be available for the whole season, his first in county cricket since his year with Durham in 2000, and will bring with him a first class average of 48.31.

The Australian academy product is in his first year with New South Wales, where he is the one day captain, after six years with Western Australia.

Hampshire will now be hoping that Katich, who can also bowl left-arm spin, does not 'do a John Crawley' and win a regular place in his country's side after signing for Hampshire.

Crawley is almost certain to be centrally contracted by the England and Wales Cricket Board this summer, while Katich has been on the periphery of the Australian side for a few years, winning his one cap against England at Headingley last year.

Katich is still seen as Mark Waugh's long-term replacement and is expected to be joined at the Rose Bowl by one more Hampshire signing this winter - an opening batsman.

Director of cricket Tim Tremlett said: "We're delighted to sign a player of Simon's calibre. He is familiar with English conditions and is very highly regarded."

Meanwhile, Hampshire have expressed their relief at the news that Shane Warne's dislocated shoulder will not keep him out for as long as was first feared.

Tremlett added: "We were very alarmed at first but at least the news that has come out is a little better. He had had problems with his shoulder before he came to us in 2000 and hopefully he will make a full recovery.

"The arrangement is that if he had to pull out we would just have to try and find another overseas player. We would have to fall back on our contingency plans.

"Patrick Farhart, our physio, is in contact with Shane and we know that Australia work on their players night and day to make sure they are right.

"For such a star player as Shane, they will be pulling out all the stops."