NICK Knight, skipper of County Champions Warwickshire, is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the world's greatest leg spin bowler when Shane Warne's Hampshire side arrive to play in the Stratford Festival of Cricket next Wednesday.

Looking ahead to the Festival, the former England opener said: 'We're deli-ghted to be returning to Stratford this year and hoping for great weather and bumper crowds.

"The season has started well for the Bears but we need to put in some decent performances at Stratford against a strong Hampshire line-up. It will be great for the crowd to witness the magic of Shane Warne in such close proximity."

Knight also has high expectations of the Totesport League fixture with the Scottish Saltires on Sunday, May 29, when the visitors will be coached by former Warwickshire favourite Andy Moles.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing my old friend Andy back in the country after his stint with the Kenyan national team.

"I'm sure he will be hoping that he can improve Scotland's performances, especially as they have a big chance of qualifying for the 2007 World Cup later this season. All in all, it should be five days of fantastic cricket and I would encourage as many people as possible to turn up to support us."

Tickets for the Festival cost just £10 for adults and £5 for children and concessions and there is a special £20 family ticket for the game against Scotland for two adults and two children.

They can be bought in advance from the Tourist Information Centre in Bridgefoot Road (0870 160 7930) as well as online from Warwickshire County Cricket Club at www.edgbaston.com or by phone from the Edgbaston Ticket Office on 0870 062 1902.

The five-day Festival is being is supported and underwritten by Warwickshire County Council.