HAMPSHIRE'S Shane Warne will make his comeback after a year on the sidelines when he lines up for Victoria 2nds next week.

Cricket's authorities banned the legendary Australian international for 12 months last year after he failed a drug test just before the World Cup began.

But he completes his suspension on Tuesday when he will line up for Victoria against Queensland Youth Academy at Melbourne.

Warne will sit out the first day of the three-day game because Monday is the final day of his ban.

The spin bowler faces a race against time to be included in Australia's squad for their next Test series, in Sri Lanka, which begins later this month.

He will only be able to play one other match for Victoria 2nds before the Test series starts in a bid to prove himself to the national selectors.

Warne's re-appearance is great news for Hampshire, who will see the Australian return to their side this summer for the first time since 2000.

He will lead Hampshire's charge for honours this year, when his compatriot Michael Clarke, an exciting young right-handed batsman, will also be lining up for the Rose Bowl outfit.

Hampshire begin their pre-season fixtures with two-day games against Sussex, Warwickshire and Kent, starting on April 5, 7 and 11 respectively.

They get their competitive campaign off to a start on April 16 at the Rose Bowl when they host Durham in a four-day Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash.

Hampshire's opening National League Division One match is against Warwickshire at Edgbaston on April 25.