LONDON, Jan 10: Australia opening batsman Matthew Hayden has rejected the chance to play for English cricket county Hampshire in 2006 season.

Hayden, 34, has been in prolific form this season, bouncing back from his Ashes struggles to score 855 runs in six Tests at an average of 77.72.

He was asked to come back for a second stint at the county after making 1,446 runs for them at 53.55 in 1997.

But left-hander says he needs a rest and joined Michael Clarke and Shane Watson in turning Hants down.

Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne, who will again captain the county, is Hampshire’s only confirmed overseas player so far for next season.

Chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “Matt will have played 16 months of consecutive cricket by the time our season starts.

“He was keen to come back and see the club from inside after all developments. He loved his time here in 1997. We couldn’t quite reach an agreement but I’m sure he will return in future.”—PPI