Warne thanks cricket-mad Hampshire for 'wonderful experience'

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Shane Warne thanked Hampshire for a "wonderful experience" after denying the English side's fans a chance to say goodbye to him on the pitch.

The Australia leg-spin legend, Hampshire's captain since 2004, dramatically called time on his eight-year association with the county on Thursday just weeks before the start of the new English season even though he had a contract for one final campaign with the Rose Bowl club.

Warne, 38, said business commitments, as well as a desire to see more of his young children, had prompted his decision.

He will now bow out of all senior cricket following his involvement as captain and coach of the Jaipur franchise in the new Indian Premier League.

"My eight years involved with Hampshire have been a...