Shane Warne [Images] signed a two-year contract extension at Hampshire with an option of a further two years, the English county said on Thursday.

The 35-year-old Australian leg-spinner will continue as club captain.

However, Warne will miss a large chunk of next season as he will be playing for Australia against England [Images] in the Ashes Tests from July. The world record Test wicket-taker has retired from one-day internationals.

"It is a lengthy contract, he has signed for two years with an option of a rolling two years," Hampshire spokesman John Hughes said.

"He has bought a house in the Southampton area and is really committing himself to the county." Warne joined Hampshire in 2000 and looks set to stay until he is 39.

Fellow Australian Simon Katich also returns to the Rose Bowl for a third spell this season.

The left-handed batsman will be joined by South African-born England one-day batsman Kevin Pietersen [Images], who has signed for Hampshire on a three-year contract after spending four prolific years with Nottinghamshire.