Hampshire County Cricket Club rain. In 2007 Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove announced plans for the redevelopment of the Rose Bowl to bring Test cricket to the ground. Prior to the 2008 County Championship season Australian legend and club captain Shane Warne reiterated his commitment to the club. But shortly before the start of the season Warne announced his retirement from first-class cricket. Former captain Shaun Udal also announced his retirement, having played for Hampshire since 1989, though he later joined Middlesex. Dimitri Mascarenhas was named Warne's replacement as captain for the 2008 season. In 2008, Hampshire struggled and were near the foot of the
Australian cricket team in 2007–08 1 November, a 13 man squad was named by the Australian selectors for the first Test. Phil Jaques was named as a replacement for the retiring Justin Langer while Brad Hogg and Stuart MacGill were selected in place of the retiring Shane Warne. Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait were also named in the squad, however Tait pulled out due to an elbow injury and was replaced by Ben Hilfenhaus. Australia won the inaugural Warne–Muralitharan Trophy 2–0, with Brett Lee winning Man of the Series. Australian XI: Phil Jaques, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Adam