Warne takes break from Hampshire

Warne has done an excellent job as Hampshire skipper this season

Hampshire captain Shane Warne will not play any further part in the club's Twenty20 Cup campaign.

The news came on the same day as reports that Warne and wife Simone are to separate after a 10-year marriage.

But the decision follows talks between the club and Cricket Australia, keen to ensure Warne does not over-exert himself before the Ashes series.

He will take a two-week break and will not play again until the Championship match against Middlesex on 8 July.

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said Warne's separation would be "tough to deal with" but hoped it would not affect his performance in the Ashes Tests, the first of which begins on 21 July.

"There's no doubt everyone in our squad will be in touch with Shane at some stage," he added.

"As far as it being a distraction from the Test series, we hope not...we hope it is something that does not hang around too long."

Leg-spinner Warne is the most successful bowler in Test history, with 583 wickets from 123 appearances.

His record against England is excellent, having taken 132 wickets in Ashes Tests at an average of 23.03.

And Australia want to ensure he is rested and fully fit, having had problems with his spinning finger following a game against Kent last month.

"He has bowled more than we expected. I'm happy for him to take a break," Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove commented.

Warne will be replaced at the Rose Bowl next month by fellow Australian Shane Watson, who is currently taking part in the triangular NatWest Series against England and Bangladesh.