THERE'S a global Cricket flavour to Hampshire's 2005 campaign including the introduction of a new international membership category for their supporters.

In addition to 22 home games, The Rose Bowl's fixture list next season also includes two outstanding international matches.

They are England against Australia in their first ever Ashes clash in a NatWest International Twenty20 contest on June 13 and an England versus Hampshire game in a NatWest One-Day Challenge on June 11.

The new international membership category, which is limited to a maximum of 500 members, costs £185 and includes full Hampshire Cricket membership plus guaranteed tickets and priority seating at both of the International matches.

The new category of membership is being offered only on a 'first come, first serve' basis and is expected to sell out extremely quickly.

Hampshire's managing director Nick Pike said: "The 2005 season will see history in the making as cricket's old adversaries, England and Australia, play in the country's first ever Twenty20 International.

"As an exciting prelude, England's first game of the summer will also be held at The Rose Bowl with a one-day, 50-over match against our own Hampshire squad.

"The selection of The Rose Bowl as the venue for these matches reflects the international standard of the ground and its facilities and we are therefore very pleased to be launching this new membership with its substantial number of benefits."

With Shane Warne as captain, the recent signings of Kevin Pieterson and Richard Logan, and the club approaching the 2005 season as one of only five counties in the top division of both the Frizzell County Championship and totesport League, Hampshire believe their 2005 Membership is also a very attractive package.

Priced at £140, it includes discounts on international tickets and replica merchandise, as well as reserved seating and a number of other advantages.

Pike added: "Hampshire Cricket members have a two-week priority booking period for both of our international games (which goes on to November 22).

"Since we anticipate both England games selling out extremely quickly, membership is an excellent and cost-effective way of enjoying a full season of international and First Division cricket.

"We advise people to purchase their membership promptly in order to take advantage of the priority booking period for the internationals."

Hampshire Cricket has also re-launched its junior membership with a smart new identity, yet remaining at the same price as in 2004 of £30.

Junior Hawks are entitled to entry to every home game, four Twenty20 Hampshire matches, posters, a newsletter and for the first time an exclusive opportunity to meet and talk to the players at a point during the season.

Pike said: "As a club we are committed to our young supporters and I know the players are looking forward to answering their questions, signing autographs and generally getting to know our junior members."

Full details on all of Hampshire Cricket's membership opportunities are available on the website www.hampshirecricket.com through the ticket office on 0870 243 0291.