Captaincy on a regular basis is one honour that has eluded Shane Warne throughout his illustrious career.

The leg-spinner has never made secret his desire to captain Australia at Test level, and it looked as though his dream would be realised when appointed vice-captain in January 1999.

He also skippered the one-day side to 10 victories in 11 matches at that time, further enhancing his claims as a possible successor to Steve Waugh.

I enjoyed my time with Hampshire and I'm enjoying my international cricket, so why not both? Shane Warne

But a spate of disciplinary problems - including leaving a nurse lewd phone messages when with Hampshire in 2000 - saw him stripped of the vice-captaincy.

With current Test vice-captain Adam Gilchrist and one-day skipper Ricky Ponting the only two heirs to Steve Waugh's throne, it seems Warne has missed his chance.

It is hardly a surprise, then, that the Wisden Cricketer of the Century would turn to domestic cricket to exhibit his leadership skills.

He has already been handed the reigns with state side Victoria next season, on the rare occasions when he will be available, and will now return to Hampshire as their leader.

"I enjoy being captain, I think it brings out the best in me," Warne said.

"And, hopefully, I can bring out the best in those around me for Victoria and Hampshire."

Hampshire's director of cricket Tim Tremlett told BBC Sport Online the seed had been sewn upon his departure from the Rose Bowl two years ago.

"When Shane left us at the end of the 2000 season he said if the window of opportunity did come about then he would love to come back.

"The captaincy issue came at what the club felt to be the right time.

"Robin Smith has been in the position for five years and has done a tremendous job but we just felt it was the right time for a change.

Tremlett said Hampshire had been in regular touch with Warne throughout the 2002 season with a view to bringing him back.

"Initially it was just as a player but as the season progressed, the option of the captaincy became more real and obviously it was something Shane would like to do.

Icing on the cake

"I think regardless of whether he was captain you always get 100%, but from the club's point of view him being captain is the icing on the cake."

Warne will have his hands full attempting to lead Hampshire back into Division One, but he denied claims he was shifting his focus away from international cricket.

"My number one priority is Australian cricket, it always has been, and I don't think anyone can question my devotion to Australian cricket over the years," Warne said.

"I'm happy to play on for Australia as long as I'm enjoying it because if you enjoy what you're doing you keep doing it and if not then you should go and do something else.

"I don't know when that form will finish or someone comes and taps me on the shoulder and says my time is up.

"But for now it's a matter of me making sure I've got security and building a relationship with Hampshire."