Ed Giddins was approached by several counties after leaving Surrey but, after putting pen to paper at the Rose Bowl, he said: "Joining Hampshire was an easy decision."

Former Sussex and Warwickshire man Giddins outlined his objectives after making Hampshire the fourth county of his career.

The 31-year-old said: "More than half of the counties were interested but it wasn't a hard decision at all.

"I'm feeling good right now and am looking forward to doing things out on the pitch for Hampshire - what a great place to play cricket!

"We're in the wrong division at the moment but next season is an exciting prospect and a great challenge.

"Next September I want to be able to look back on a season where we have won promotion in the Championship and the one day league during a season in which I have contributed a number of match winning performances."

Joining Hampshire could boost Giddins' England chances. He took 5-15 against Zimbabwe at Lord's in 2000 and has 12 Test wickets at an average of 20 runs each.

But his limited first team chances at Surrey, a club he joined in 2001, harmed his international hopes.

"I've still got to fight for my place here but it's going to be easier to get my chance," he added.

"I'm obviously disappointed that I didn't play more for Surrey but with Saqlain and Salisbury and all the all rounders there, the competition was high.

"I have ambition and, although my England chances are not as good as they were five years ago, it's still possible.

"I've got to be realistic - Steve Harmison and Simon Jones are on the scene and Matthew Hoggard is now establishing himself but things can change quickly.

"All of a sudden Darren Gough is public enemy number one after being a world class bowler for so many years."

Giddins boasts Brian Lara, Allan Donald and Surrey's all stars as former teammates - now he cannot wait to play under Shane Warne.

The former England bowler put pen to paper on a two year contract yesterday and then said: "I'm looking to play with all the Hampshire boys. I've been lucky enough during my career to play with Brian Lara and Alan Donald at Warwickshire and Shane Warne is obviously another truly great player.

"Not many people get the chance to play with Alan, Brian and the best spinner in the world so that helped to make moving to Hampshire an easy decision. Who knows where Sachin Tendulkar will be in four or five years!"

l Leicestershire have named veteran all-rounder Phillip DeFreitas as their new captain for next season.

The 36-year-old former England star has accepted the job after Iain Sutcliffe rejected the chance to succeed Vince Wells as skipper at Grace Road.

l Graeme Hick revealed his "surprise and disappointment" at being relieved of the Worcestershire captaincy.

The 36-year-old former England batsman has captained the county for three years, leading them to the top flight of the National League last year. They finished second in the table this year and just missed out on promotion to Division One of the Championship, as well as reaching the B & H Cup semi-finals.