SHANE WARNE inspired Hampshire to victory at Gloucestershire yesterday - after travelling through Friday night from Zimbabwe to lead his team.

The remarkable Australian was in sparkling form with bat and ball as Hampshire maintained their unbeaten record under his captaincy this summer.

Warne took 4-27 before scoring 48 as Hampshire eased past Gloucestershire's total of 240 with nine balls to spare - with Aussie debutant Michael Dighton top scoring.

The leg-spinner was due to be playing for Australia in Zimbabwe but flew back after the Test series was cancelled following internal rows over Zimbabwe's selection policy.

Warne, pictured, backed the decision to abandon the controversial series and said he was delighted to be back with Hampshire.

"I got on the next available flight," he said.

"I got in Saturday morning at 6.30am, so I'm a little bit tired, but a win always helps.

"It was disappointing not to play the Tests but, given the situation and what the 15 players are going through, the decision was right."

He added: "Out of every disappointing thing, a positive comes out of it. I love playing for Hampshire and being available was a bonus. I am really happy with the way the boys played."

Warne felt a key part of yesterday's four-wicket win was the way Hampshire slowed down Gloucestershire's batsmen after they had laid the base for a more daunting total.

"We needed a solid spell and myself and Shaggy (Shaun Udal) bowled well in tandem," he said. "They are dangerous at the top, but we dragged them back. We thought 250 or 260 was a good score, so to get it six down with two overs up our sleeve was a great effort.

"We scored quickly in the first 15 overs and that was key. It's good to be back."