cricket legend Ian Botham has insisted the Rose Bowl deserves comparison with any international cricket ground in the world.

Hampshire Cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove revealed how a South African fan had approached him early yesterday.

"He said he had been to internationals all over the world and that the Rose Bowl was as good as any he had seen," said Bransgrove.

When informed of that comment, Botham - on duty as part of the Sky tv commentary team yesterday - said: "I couldn't agree more."

In an exclusive Echo interview, the former England skipper and 1981 Ashes hero, pictured, added: "What Hampshire have done here and what Durham have done at Chester-le-Street is fantastic.

"The established Test grounds needed a jolt from somewhere, some had become a bit too complacent, and it's great that Durham and Hampshire have come along and provided that jolt.

"It's right that should happen - and the traditional Test grounds will have to act if they want to retain their status.

"That's progress, and I'm right behind what they're doing.

"Durham are now on the Test match circuit and I fully expect the Rose Bowl to join up as well.

"This is their first game here and they will learn from that.

"I'm impressed by a lot here - it's all very modern, it's easy to get around the ground once you're in, the pavilion is state-of-the-art and I'm sure it will be extended one day."

Botham, whose son Liam once played for Hants in the mid-1990s, added: "Hampshire are an ambitious club and that's great to see.

"Rod Bransgrove has been a breath of fresh air for the game. Without him none of this would have happened."

Botham is a huge fan of the NatWest Series which has helped take international cricket to venues like the Rose Bowl, Nevil Road in Bristol, Canterbury and Sophia Gardens.

"Why shouldn't England play all over the country?" he asked.

"As a player I always enjoyed playing on different grounds. It's a situation which has worked well in cricket and it's worked well in football as well.

"Why should England play all their matches at Wembley. It's a difficult place to get to. Wembley - now that's a waste of money!"

Botham, who rose to stardom at Somerset, insists the cider county are also eager to challenge the Rose Bowl and Bristol as southern area stadiums capable of hosting regular international cricket.

"Somerset have just become the 13th county to declare an interest in hosting these games," said Botham. "They have announced they want to develop their ground.

"As I said, Rod Bransgrove has been a breath of fresh air for the game and the chairman at Somerset, Giles Clarke, is another very ambitious man.

"If he can develop Taunton, that will be another ground creating healthy competition - and that can only be good for the game."

l HAMPSHIRE'S chances of staging further internationals will be boosted by the contents of match referee Clive Lloyd's report.

The West Indian legend insisted he was impressed with how Hampshire handled their first taste of international cricket.

Lloyd said: "Everything was fine, I saw no real problems at all. My report will certainly be favourable, it's been a very good day all round.

"I'll be giving it the thumbs up.

"It's always good to see new stadiums catering for new cricket audiences, and what Hampshire have done here is very good, the facilities are excellent."

Lloyd also said he had no worries about the Rose Bowl wicket, which came in for some criticism last season.

"The pitch was good, I couldn't see any problems," he remarked.