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 delighted 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 Hamp-shire line-up. It will be great for the crowd to witness the magic of Shane Warne at such close proximity."

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 on May 29 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, that also includes the Totesport League match against the Scottish Saltires, is being is supported and underwritten by Warwickshire County Council.