Shane Watson has dropped a large hint that he could be returning to Hampshire this summer.

The Australian all-rounder told the Daily Echo earlier this year that he wasn't expecting another stint at the Rose Bowl after impressing last year.

But Shane Warne recently admitted he was keen to recruit the Queenslander when himself and Simon Katich left Hampshire for Ashes duty in July.

Having missed out on selection in the Australian squad for the Ashes series, the 24-year-old Watson is currently working on his fitness before arriving in England for start of the NatWest one-day series in June.

Watson had planned to return to Australia after the series, but is now considering Hampshire's offer.

"I really enjoyed my time at Hampshire last year," Watson said.

"Returning to Hampshire wasn't in my original plans for this year but being a professional cricketer, you always keep an open mind.

"But for the time being, my focus is on enjoying a bit more rest, and then getting into some hard training to get ready for the NatWest Series."

Watson became an instant Hampshire hero last summer after slamming a memorable hundred on his County Championship debut against Somerset at the Rose Bowl.

Meanwhile, Hampshire are 210 runs ahead of Cardiff UCCE with seven second innings wickets left after day two of their three-day first class match against the students.