SHANE Watson is heading for the Rose Bowl next month as one of the Most Valuable Players in world cricket.
The Australian international all-rounder will replace Shane Bond as Hampshire's one permitted foreign signing at the start of next month.
Though Hampshire have been struggling so far this season, Watson could be about to bring the smiles back if he performs in the English Twenty20 Cup like he has done for Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals in the high-profile Indian Premier League.
Watson - who played for Hampshire in both 2004 and 2005, helping them win the C & G Trophy in his second spell - has compiled three rapid half-centuries already to help the previously unfancied Royals to the top of the qualifying table.
His latest superb innings was the 74 that helped the Royals defeat Delhi at the weekend, a knock containing five sixes and five fours.
It helped establish Watson as the Most Valuable Player in the IPL at the halfway stage of the tournament.
For full story see today's Daily Echo.
