HE'S been the thorn in the side of English batsmen for six years. Every fan in the country loves to hate him.

But controversial leg spin bowler Shane Warne is sure to get a huge Aussie welcome from Southampton's only Down Under theme bar if Hampshire clinches the deal to sign the star.

The Wizard of Oz is reported to be on the verge of moving from his home state Victoria to the county cricket club.

Staff and regulars at Walkabout Inn, High Street, say Warne's arrival in the "Pom-ised Land" will be the shot in the arm our flagging game desperately needs.

Manager Tim Carey, also from Victoria, said: "It will be absolutely sensational having him in this part of the world.

"Back home in Australia but particularly in our own state he is a superstar and he will no doubt get the same reception in Hampshire.

"If he signs for the county, it would be great to get Warney down to the bar because I can't see him choosing any other venue as his watering hole.

"I would certainly go to watch Hampshire play and he would bring huge crowds through the gate."

Mr Carey said Warne's character and skill would attract thousands and that he would invite legendary cricketer - widely regarded as the greatest spin bowler ever - to specially-arranged Aussie barbecues at Walkabout.

Barman John Croston said: "Shane Warne would improve the standards in the English game.

"Let's face it, if you guys can't beat New Zealand then there's something seriously wrong," he joked.

Mr Croston added: "He will be a fine example to English youngsters and really lift the game here. "Australians from all over the country will flock to Hampshire just to watch him play."

Fellow barman Matthew Meade, from Melbourne, Victoria, said Warne's arrival would be fantastic for the county's fans.

He said: "Bringing in players like him can only enhance the dull image of cricket over here.

"But it could also lead to the breakthrough England needs and then, after more than a decade of winning the Ashes series, we could be in trouble.

"Warne, like myself, is a Melbourne boy so we could soon be hearing all the old chants from Victoria around Hampshire's ground before inviting him back to the pub for a few bevvies."

Hampshire fan and Walkabout customer Lee Baker, 29, of Swanage Close, Woolston, said he would be very happy so see the Aussie at the club.

"He is obviously a brilliant bowler and this is all very exciting.

"As a fan of the cricket club, I will welcome him with open arms even though he has been a huge player for Australia against England," he said.

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