HAMPSHIRE all-rounder Sean Ervine is considering ending his six-year career with the county – so he can play for Zimbabwe again.

Ervine is back in his homeland this week playing in the Stanbic Twenty20 tournament, but is yet to extend his Hampshire contract as he is tempted to represent his country again.

“It is something I am considering at the moment,”he admitted. “It has been discussed before and I am weighing the pros and cons just like anybody would do before taking up any job.”

Ervine, one of the white Zimbabwe players who rebelled against the Zimbabwe Cricket Union six years ago, played five Tests and 42 one-day internationals before signing for Hampshire as a nonoverseas player in 2004.

After an outstanding debut season which included a man-of the-match performance as Hampshire won the 2005 C & GTrophy final, Ervine has played a key role in the county’s recent success.

Still only 27, he is now considering helping Zimbabwe as they seek to end their fiveyear Test exile.

“A lot of progress has been made both on and off the field,”

said Ervine, whose EU passport has enabled him to play for Hampshire as a non-overseas player. “The people here have done a lot of work in improving both the game in the country and the performance of the national team.”

Ervine intends to make a decision on his future with the county in January.

Hampshire manager Giles White said:“We’re aware of the situation.”