Hampshire skipper Shane Warne reckons that he is in the best form of his career.

Warne recorded his sixth Test haul of ten wickets or more in a match as Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs during a thrilling first Test in Colombo yesterday.

The 33-year-old, contracted to captain Hampshire for the next two seasons, took 7-94 in the first innings, his best figures since 1995, in clinching the man-of-the-match award.

And, after taking 4-94 in Pakistan's second innings - ensuring match figures of 11-188, he said: "My form over the last 12 months in Test cricket has been as good as it's ever been. My last 14 or 15 matches have been the most successful time I've ever had."

Warne, who is fitter than ever, added: "I've noticed the difference in my recovery. Now that I've lost a couple of stone, I always feel better the next day."

Australia host England after this series against Waqar Younis's side but Warne will return to Hampshire, his `second home', after touring the West Indies in six months' time.

The former Australia vice captain, who has been reinstated as Victoria's skipper, is currently liaising with director of cricket Tim Tremlett and spoke to potential overseas players during the recent ICC Champions Trophy.

Neil Johnson, still in the frame to play a third season as a specialist batsman with Hampshire, who are aiming to sign their second overseas player as soon as possible.

In the meantime Warne is basking in the glow of yet another match-inning performance for his country. He made up for the first `pair' of his Test career by having Misbah ul Haq caught in the covers to make it ten wickets in the match yesterday morning.

Ul Haq had made ten when he hit a leading edge straight to Australia captain Steve Waugh. But it was Warne's 11th and final wicket that proved the crucial scalp

The wicket of Younis Khan ensured Warne his biggest haul since taking 11 wickets against England at the Oval a year ago. And, after Younis was trapped leg before to a trademark Warne flipper, Pakistan lost their last four wickets for just 29 runs.

Jason Gillespie and Glenn McGrath ripped through the lower order with the new ball and Pakistan were bowled out for 274, having been 175-3 overnight.

Warne was twice dismissed for nought by Shoaib Akhtar, who produced one of the great spells of fast bowling as Australia were shot out for 127 in their second innings.

That took his tally of ducks in Test cricket to 27 - only Courtney Walsh (43) has more.

But Warne loves his batting.

Rest assured that a maiden first class century will be one of his personal goals when he returns to Hampshire in May.

© Daily Echo