Warne cops one-match ban after Samuels incident

Updated January 07, 2013 14:49:38

Shane Warne says he has been handed a "pretty harsh" penalty following his altercation with Marlon Samuels in Sunday night's Big Bash League match at the MCG.

Warne was banned for one match and fined $4,500 for his heated exchange with Samuels during the match between the Stars and the Renegades in front of a record crowd of 46,681.

Warne and the Melbourne Stars have decided against appealing the penalty and he will miss his side's clash with Sydney Thunder on Tuesday night.

Angry at Samuels for having obstructed team-mate David Hussey running during the Stars' innings, Warne grabbed at the West Indian's shirt during the Renegades' run chase and the pair exchanged angry words.

Moments later Warne, in an apparently deliberate act, hit Samuels with the ball when fielding near the batsman.

This led Samuels to throw his bat in the air and invite Warne to engage in an extended physical exchange.

Warne was charged with four alleged breaches under Cricket Australia's (CA) code of behaviour, although his fine only related to three offences.

He was fined $3,000 for engaging in inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with another player and $1,000 for using obscene and offensive language.

A $500 sanction was also handed down for showing dissent at an umpire's decision but he was cleared of a charge of throwing a ball at a player in an inappropriate or dangerous manner.

Warne briefly appeared before the media on Monday and expressed his displeasure with the sanctions handed down by CA.

"I'm very conscious about the image of the game and I'm disappointed in some of my actions last night," he said.

"But I'm also pretty disappointed with the severity of the penalties. I think that was pretty harsh."

The Stars will consider their legal and appeal options in regard to the sanctions.

Samuels has been handed two alleged breaches, including participating in "unbecoming behaviour".

He is still to face his disciplinary hearing.

Warne's Stars team-mate Cameron White was also charged with showing dissent at an umpire's decision and given a suspended $1,000 fine.

After the match Warne attempted to play down the incident, preferring to focus on the result with the Stars having suffered a nine-wicket loss to their cross-town rivals.

"I tried to throw the ball to (wicketkeeper) Bobby Quiney and the next minute I decided to get out of the way of that bat," Warne told Fox Sports.

"I'm more disappointed that we lost, that was just a heat of the moment thing.

"That's just the way it goes, I hope he's OK."

The latest incident has again put Samuels in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry will face a CA disciplinary hearing for an argument he had with with Samuels prior to last Wednesday night's match between the two sides.

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann was given a suspended $3,000 fine and a reprimand for doubting the legality of Samuels' bowling action last month.

Samuels was forced to retire hurt on 17 against the Stars after a top edge from a Lasith Malinga short-pitched delivery hit his helmet.

He left the field bleeding under his eye socket and is set to miss the remainder of the tournament.

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted January 07, 2013 09:40:31

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Warne picked to front road safety campaign

Updated December 20, 2012 16:16:18

Victoria's road safety body is defending its decision to use cricketer Shane Warne - who was involved in a road rage incident with a cyclist in Melbourne earlier this year - in a safe driving campaign.

The prolific tweeter has been picked to front a new social media campaign for Victoria's Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

But it seems the road safety body overlooked the fact Warne was allegedly involved in a skirmish with a cyclist in Melbourne last January. 

Cyclist Mathew Hollingsworth claimed the cricketer bumped him with his Mercedes, almost forcing his leg and bike wheel under the car, causing more than $1,500 damage to his bike.

Warne denied the claim and said the cyclist had hit his car, thumped the bonnet and been abusive.

He told reporters he had nothing against cyclists but some of them think they own the road.

What do you think of the commission picking Shane Warne? Have your say

David Lee, from the Amy Gillett Foundation, campaigns for the reduction of deaths and injuries among cyclists.

"Those comments back in January from Shane only inflame the situation and we believe don’t actually go any way to making the road a safer place for everybody," he said.

"We'd like to think that, in the passing of time, Shane has come to understand [and] acknowledge that a little more.

"We'd be keen to hear his further thoughts about his attitude with regards to bike riders sharing the road with motorists."

The TAC has not addressed the issue of Warne's appointment, except to say that the TAC has a partnership with two T20 Big Bash teams, including Warne's Melbourne Stars, to engage young men in a road safety message throughout the cricket season.

The TAC says it believes everyone should be a road safety ambassador and show respect for all road users.

Mr Lee is supporting that message.

"They’re trying to get to a young age demographic, mainly of males 18 to 30, and certainly Shane has an ability to connect with that audience," he said.

"So if it means that young people take notice of the message, then we’re certainly really supportive of that.

"And hopefully Shane is also keen to support the fact that it's important that all road users get home, not just motorists."

Warne's management company did not respond to AM's request for comment.

Tags: road, cricket, melbourne-3000, australia, vic

First posted December 20, 2012 08:09:15

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Warne confident of facing Hurricanes

Updated December 14, 2012 16:28:25

The Melbourne Stars are confident captain Shane Warne will overcome hamstring soreness to lead them in Saturday night's Big Bash League clash with the Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG.

The 43-year-old felt a twinge during Wednesday night's win over the Perth Scorchers at the WACA ground and did not train with team-mates at the MCG on Friday.

"My preparation for tomorrow's game will be stretching and leg swings in the pool," Warne tweeted.

"(The) hamstring will hopefully pull up well tomorrow and be ready for our big game against the Hobart Hurricanes."

Opener Rob Quiney expected the skipper to play.

"He saw the physio and it should be right to go," Quiney told reporters after training.

Regardless, deceptive Sri Lankan quick Lasith Malinga is expected to be the biggest threat to the in-form Hurricanes batsman after his stunning 6 for 7 against the Scorchers.

Quiney hoped Malinga would get an early crack at Hobart's middle-order star pair Travis Birt and Owais Shah.

Birt was the competition's top-scorer last season and Englishman Shah fourth, with the pair again combining to steer the Hurricanes to a comfortable win over Brisbane in their opening match this season.

"It would be nice for Malinga to have a couple of overs against those two because I think those two are the key to their batting line-up," Quiney said.

The Hurricanes will welcome retired Test great Ricky Ponting into their team after he missed their opening match through illness.

Shah said Ponting would be a big asset in numerous ways but particularly to give some tips on how to handle Malinga.

"He was amazing the other night," Shah said of the Sri Lankan.

"He's a class act, but at the end of the day he's a bowler and we've just got to try and cope as well as we can against him and use our experience.

"We've got the likes of Ricky Ponting in our team now who can share some experience on how he would have played Malinga over the years that he's played.

"He's probably faced him the most out of all of us, so we're looking to Ricky."

Stars: Shane Warne (capt), Jackson Bird, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Scott Henry, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Clinton McKay, Lasith Malinga, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Cameron White, Luke Wright.

Hurricanes: George Bailey (capt), Tim Paine, Doug Bollinger, Travis Birt, Xavier Doherty, Evan Gulbis, Michael Hogan, Jason Krejza, Ben Laughlin, Ricky Ponting, Owais Shah, Scott Styris, Jon Wells.

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, melbourne-3000, hobart-7000

First posted December 14, 2012 16:28:25

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Warne refuses to rule out Test return

Updated December 13, 2012 08:15:23

Legendary spinner Shane Warne is adamant he is good enough to make a Test comeback, claiming he is bowling as well as he was when he retired in 2007.

And although the 43-year-old says any talk of him returning in time for next year's Ashes is just hypothetical, he feels it could benefit Australia's next wave of spinners if it did happen.

The odds of Warne making a Test comeback remain slim.

But the 145-Test veteran hasn't closed the door completely on the prospect, saying he will give it some thought once the Twenty20 Big Bash League season has finished.

"I've been bowling as good as I have since I retired from international cricket, which was five or six years ago," Warne said in Perth on Tuesday ahead of the Melbourne Stars' clash with the Perth Scorchers.

"And if it gets to the serious stage about that stuff, there's obviously a process - grade cricket, state cricket, and then you've got to get selected, too.

"So there's a lot of things to happen before that even gets to a serious stage.

"At the moment I'm being asked, 'could I do it?'

"And I'm saying, 'Yeah, I have absolutely no doubt that I could because of the way I'm bowling'.

"But whether it's going to happen or not is a completely hypothetical situation and a different chat.

"At the moment I'm just worried about the Stars and getting us on the winning ledger."

Scorchers spinner Brad Hogg, who at 41 years of age made a shock return to international T20 ranks earlier this year, felt the longer form of the game would be a bridge too far for older players.

"I'm 41, Warney's 43. You might get through the first day. But if you had to come back a second day and bowl for a session and a half, that's where the older blokes would struggle," Hogg said.

Although some people would view a Warne return as a backward step for Australian cricket, the leg-spinner said it could also have some crucial benefits.

"It might be a short-term thing where you work with a few of the younger spinners and take them with you and work with them all and see how it goes," Warne said.

Warne made a disastrous start to this summer's T20 competition, returning figures of 0-41 from just two overs in the Stars' eight-wicket loss to the Melbourne Renegades.

Although he was disappointed with his return, Warne said the hit-and-miss nature of T20 cricket meant it was inevitable for bowlers to have a bad day out every now and then.

The Stars welcome back all-rounder Glenn Maxwell into their line-up, while Scorchers batsman Marcus North will replace the injured Shaun Marsh (hamstring).

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, perth-6000, wa, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 21:00:27

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Murali takes on Warne in Big Bash clash

Updated December 06, 2012 21:13:26

Sri Lanka spin wizard Muttiah Muralidaran says he is not seeking revenge against Melbourne Stars' recruit Brad Hodge despite Hodge helping to lure Murali to Melbourne Renegades.

Test wicket world-record holder Murali, 40, has signed to play for the Renegades in the Big Bash League Twenty20 which opens on Friday at Docklands as the Renegades host cross-town rivals and tournament favourites the Stars.

Twenty20 batting great Hodge has crossed to the Stars this summer while another ex-Renegade Andrew McDonald has joined the Adelaide Strikers.

"Hodge and McDonald convinced me to come and play Renegades," Murali told a media conference on Thursday.

"At the time they were in the Renegades. Unfortunately they're not there but still we have a good side."

Murali said he phoned Hodge recently to ask what happened to their plans to play together for the Renegades.

"Yeah he convinced me to come and play and after that he was gone to the Stars. So then I asked him, just a friendly call," Murali said, grinning amid laughter from the media pack.

"No revenge as such because we want to play a good game. We want to compete with them and see how it goes."

Murali and his long-time rival Shane Warne, who boast over 1500 Test wickets between them, will clash on Friday with the 43-year-old Warne captaining the Stars.

Warne appeared genuinely moved at their joint press conference when Murali praised his Australian rival.

"Once in a hundred years you can get a bowler like him. I have a lot of respect for him," Murali said, adding reports of a rift between the pair over the years had been media hype.

Warne said: "Having Murali there weaving his magic, the wirly-twirly man, it should be a bit of fun. He'll be smiling as well."

Proud Melbourne product Warne said the city remained the sporting capital of the world, with officials hoping for a record crowd of 43,000 for the clash between the two great spinners.

"I feel ready to go. There's a good vibe amongst our side," Warne said.

"They've got a very good side and so have we."

Renegades' skipper Aaron Finch was happy to play along with the "Hollywood" tag that has been applied to the star-studded Stars, whose lineup includes last summer's player of the tournament David Hussey.

"There's been a lot of media hype around the Stars.... but we're confident that we can probably contend with the World XI over there," Finch said.

In Brisbane, the Heat have added some bowling backup after internationals Daniel Vettori and Dale Steyn were ruled out of the Big Bash series.

The Heat have signed attacking all-rounder Thisara Perera, who was part of the Sri Lankan team that made it to the final of the T20 World Cup early this year.

Brisbane had suffered a double blow ahead of the tournament, with New Zealand's Dettori ruled out through injury, while Cricket South Africa withdrew permission for Steyn to play a one-off game in the Heat's opening match.

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 06, 2012 21:10:51

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Home comfort gives Aussies the edge: Warne

Updated October 23, 2012 13:52:08

Shane Warne has backed Australia to win the upcoming Test cricket series against the Proteas, but only because it is the home team.

The leg spin legend said on Tuesday there is very little separating Australia, South Africa, England and India - and perhaps Sri Lanka as well when it plays at at home.

The three-Test series against South Africa starts on November 9 at the 'Gabba in Brisbane.

"When you're at home, you're expected to win," Warne said.

"There's no real standout side for me.

"Anyone can beat anyone and when it's at home, I would expect Australia to beat South Africa.

"It will be a great contest - it will be the bowlers who are on display for both teams, they will really test the batsmen's techniques.

"Young (James) Pattinson is really on fire here at the moment."

Warne expects Victorian Matthew Wade to be named wicketkeeper for the first Test, but said there could also be room in the side for fellow gloveman Brad Haddin.

"Brad Haddin is a good friend and he's done well, but maybe there's a spot for him as a batsman," Warne said.

"Whichever way the selectors go will be fine, but I think Matthew Wade will probably get the nod."

While Jon Holland is out with a shoulder injury, Warne also predictably called on selectors to pick a spinner in the first Test team.

"I mean, c'mon, you always play a spinner no matter what the conditions are," he said with a grin.

Warne added it was a shame Holland could be a long-term casualty because of his shoulder injury, which might need surgery.

"Jon Holland is a big loss, I had him pencilled in about 12-18 months ago that he and Nathan Lyon would be on the Ashes (tour) next year," he said.

"I was hopeful that both would play, especially with the balance of the team when you have guys like Shane Watson, Mitchell Marsh who could play as all-rounders.

"It's a real big loss to lose 'Dutchy' (Holland), he's really improved."

Warne called for patience with the current crop of Australian spinners, saying it would take time for them to develop.

He said the strength of Australia's pace bowling meant the spinners could bide their time.

"When the times comes, when the pitches start to 'rag' ... then that's when it's pay day for them," he said.

But Warne is unimpressed about the lack of wrist spinners coming through Australian cricket, blaming it on impatience at junior level.

"I don't want to bang my chest ... it would be a long conversation, but to try to have it in a minute or two - it's hard," he said.

"You need encouragement and sometimes the captaincy at junior level that I found with a lot of the kids ... they get smacked around the park, they bowl a few double-bouncers, the encouragement's not there."

Meanwhile, the 43-year-old, who will captain the Melbourne Stars in this year's Big Bash, admitted he has no idea when he will pull up stumps.

"I have to 'never say never', because in 2007 I said I'd never play cricket again," he said.

"I think I've retired nine times.

"But 18 months later the IPL came up, so that was something that interested me, to captain coach and do it the way I always thought it should be done.

"It's the way it all panned out.

"I do love cricket, I'm passionate about the game and if I can help Australian cricket in any way, shape or form then I will."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, south-africa

First posted October 23, 2012 13:45:40

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Warne poised to enter Hall of Fame

Updated February 26, 2012 16:23:59

Test great Shane Warne will be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame this week.

The legendary leg spinner, the first cricketer to take 700 Test wickets, will be inducted at the Allan Border Medal ceremony in Melbourne on Monday.

Hall of Fame chairman David Crow says Warne, 42, who retired from Test cricket in 2007, is the selection committee's unanimous choice.

"Shane Warne's contribution to cricket has been enormous," Crow said.

"He revived legspin, combining accuracy with variety and enormous turn, even on unhelpful pitches.

"It was the timing of his performances - in addition to his sheer weight of wickets - that further underlined his legendary status.

"Beyond his phenomenal record, Shane Warne changed the way cricket was played and has inspired a new generation of cricketers worldwide to take up the challenging craft of spin bowling."

Warne says he is surprised and delighted to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and will fly from the United States to attend the ceremony in Melbourne.

"To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is just a massive honour, and it makes me feel very proud. I'm glad I'm sharing this with my children and my family," he said in a statement.

Warne, who was named in 2000 as one of only five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, took 708 wickets at 25.41 in 145 Tests and 293 wickets in 194 one-day internationals.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, australia

First posted February 26, 2012 16:23:59

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Haddin safe, but Wade's ready: Warne

Updated January 18, 2012 13:57:01

Shane Warne has backed under-siege Brad Haddin to remain Australian wicketkeeper but says his Melbourne Stars team-mate Matthew Wade is ready to replace him.

Haddin has not scored a Test century since November 2010 and in his past four Tests has scored just 53 runs at an average of 10.6.

His work behind the stumps has also come under fire, putting the Test vice-captain under pressure.

Warne said Haddin should be given more time to work his way out of his form slump.

"I think Brad Haddin has been a wonderful player for Australia and cricket is a performance-based game; if you perform you play and if you don't perform you shouldn't play, that's the way sport is," said Warne before training with the Stars.

"If you're not doing your job well, get someone else to do it.

"With Brad Haddin, I think he's doing a good job and hopefully he can find some form because he's a wonderful player."

While Tim Paine will miss the entire summer following two rounds of surgery on a damaged finger, Wade has emerged as the heir apparent.

He impressed in his two Twenty20 Internationals for Australia last year and has scored 316 runs, averaging 63.2 in the Sheffield Shield.

Warne said the 24-year-old was up to the job if called upon.

"If his opportunity comes I think he's ready to play," he said.

"I think he's definitely the next keeper after Brad Haddin, whenever Brad Haddin's time is up.

"Hopefully he (Haddin) makes a big hundred in Adelaide and he's fine, he can play for another fair bit of time.

"But if things panned out and the selectors decided to go another way then Matthew Wade would 100 per cent do a great job in all forms of the game and he's ready to go."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, adelaide-5000, sa, vic, australia

First posted January 18, 2012 13:57:01

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Warne tells Clarke to be himself

Updated January 06, 2012 12:37:39

Shane Warne says people are starting to see the real Michael Clarke and the new Test skipper has the full support of Australia's cricket fans.

Warne says his former team-mate has grown into a superb captain since taking over from Ricky Ponting in 2011.

Clarke's unbeaten 329 in the second Test against India at the SCG made Warne feel great pride that his close mate was showing the world his wonderful talents.

Clarke, like Warne, has battled negative media but has rebuilt his public image.

"Michael Clarke has been one of my best friends for a long time," Warne said.

"I have helped him out from gaining his first baggy green cap and helped him out as a friend over the years.

"I was just very proud to see him play yesterday and do what he did, the way he played, the way he went about it and the way he has grown into a superb Australian captain.

"He has always been a wonderful player and I think we got to see yesterday what a talent he actually is.

"Hopefully, the people out in Australia, I think they've always liked him.

"He went through a stage where he copped a bit of a rough time unfairly.

"It's nice to see now people are starting to see the real Michael Clarke. They like him.

"They enjoy watching him bat and watching him captain.

"That makes me feel pretty proud too."

Warne, who has made a comeback to Australian domestic cricket at 42 to play with Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, says his advice to Clarke is to be himself.

"I suppose you go through different stages. No one stays on top," said Warne, who claimed 708 Test wickets.

"I've had my own ups and downs. I'm pretty happy with where I'm at.

"Contrary to what some of you (media) guys write, the public have always been fantastic to me. They've always got behind me through thick and thin.

"It makes you feel nice to know when you've got the (public's) support ... people always go out there and scream and want an autograph.

"And we always take the time out to do it too.

"All we can do is be ourselves and if people like you, great."

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted January 06, 2012 12:37:39

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India bowling attack is weak, says Warne

Updated December 20, 2011 06:57:49

In what must be music to the ears of under pressure veterans Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, Shane Warne has predicted good times for Australia's batsmen against a "weak" Indian attack in their four-Test series.

The 37-year-old Ponting and Hussey, 36, look set to line up in the Boxing Day Test but their long term future remains unclear after they again stumbled in the drawn series against New Zealand.

However, it was the Indian bowling attack - or lack thereof - that was in Warne's sights when asked to assess the coming series.

"England just beat them 4-0," he said in Brisbane on Monday.

"They have got some wonderful batting and all that sort of stuff but I think their bowling is a bit weak.

"And if Zaheer Khan or Ishant Sharma goes down with injury then it should be a good time for the Australian batters."

It is believed India will call in a cover player for injured fast bowler Sharma (ankle) after he was ruled out of the three-day match against a Chairman's XI that began in Canberra on Monday.

Injuries have also kept Australian selectors honest - Shane Watson and Ryan Harris are expected to return Boxing Day but Shaun Marsh is still recovering from a back complaint.

Warne said the packed international schedule was to blame for many injuries.

"The bottom line is that they have to play too much cricket - there is too much expected of an international cricketer," he said.

"And we are playing two Test series to cram everything in.

"It is ridiculous. To me that is not right.

"Let the players recover, so they can be the best players they can be."

Warne was not as scathing about his cricketing comeback in Australia.

He finished with 0 for 19 off two overs in his first Big Bash League Twenty20 game for Melbourne Stars as David Warner's unbeaten ton steered the Sydney Thunder to a six-wicket win last Saturday night.

Warne will back up against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Tuesday night.

"I thought I bowled alright, I just got whacked by Warner," Warne said.

"I thought it was a wonderful innings."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, melbourne-3000, vic, qld, australia, india

First posted December 19, 2011 20:42:25

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Warne statue unveiled at MCG

Updated December 22, 2011 19:21:35

Shane Warne has been immortalised in bronze, with a new statue of the Australian cricket great unveiled outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.

The 2.5-metre tall likeness by sculptor Louis Lauman depicts the spin king bowling in his heyday.

Warne congratulated Lauman on the statue.

"It's fantastic Louis. Congratulations mate, you've done a great job," he said.

"Very proud, it's a great honour.

"It's sort of weird seeing yourself up there, but it's a very good likeness."

Lauman says he tried to depict Warne as he was then, rather than the slimmed-down version currently plying his trade in the Twenty20 Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars.

"I think it's 300 kilos that statue and it's pretty life-like it was when I played," Warne joked.

Warne joins cricketers including Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller and Dennis Lillee in having his statue erected on the Parade of Champions outside the hallowed ground.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the ABC's Gerard Whateley said Warne had grown up near the MCG, dreaming of the possibilities inside it.

"This was his theatre and he seemed to know to reserve his best for it," he said.

Former captain Mark Taylor recalled how Warne brought a sense of fun and flair to the Australian team.

"When Warnie came into the side in the early 1990s the game was dominated by fast bowlers," Taylor recalled.

"We had a guy who could, at the end of the game, make as big an impact as the West Indies fast bowlers could at the start.

"No matter how many runs we had on the board, with Shane Warne in the side we could still make them enough to win the game."

Tags: cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 22, 2011 11:04:44

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Warne prepared to play hot hand

Updated December 13, 2011 13:23:13

Shane Warne rates himself a 95 per cent chance to be fit to bowl for the Melbourne Stars in their opening Big Bash League Twenty20 match despite a burnt hand.

The master spinner said he would see a surgeon on Wednesday to have the bandage removed from his right hand and he was confident of playing against Sydney Thunder at the MCG on Saturday night.

Warne, 42, had an accident while using his barbecue and says his main concern is to avoid an infection.

"They just drained all the blisters and then they cut them all open so they wouldn't fill up again," Warne said on Tuesday.

"There's just a couple of awkward ones on the spinning fingers.

"But hopefully I've got four days and it should be fine by Saturday."

He brushed off suggestions he could wear bandages or a glove to stop the wounds ripping open during the match.

"Bowling legspin is all about feel so if I put a glove on I'm not sure I can tweak them down there that well," he said.

"I'm hoping I won't need that and I'll be ready to go."

Warne said while he hoped to take the field, he would not play unless his hand was healed enough for him to bowl properly.

"If I won't be able to bowl then I won't be playing - that would let the team down," he said.

Warne added another concern is that by spinning the ball it could rip open the skin again.

"We'll just see how we go," he added.

AAP/AFP

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 13, 2011 10:26:10

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Warne sheds bandage and has a bowl

Updated December 14, 2011 16:46:23

Shane Warne shed the bandage on his burnt hand and had a bowl on Wednesday as he strives to be fit for Melbourne Stars' opening game in the Big Bash League.

Warne, who burnt and blistered his right hand in a mishap cooking some bacon, saw his surgeon on Wednesday morning.

The 42-year-old master legspinner attended an intra-club trial game at Glen Waverley and bowled for about 10 minutes during the innings break, a Stars spokesperson said.

The Stars host Sydney Thunder at the MCG on Saturday night as part of the opening weekend of the BBL Twenty20 competition.

Stars coach Greg Shipperd said former Test world record-holder Warne had lost none of his class.

"He's obviously not 100 per cent but he gritted the teeth as you would expect a pro of his stature would do," Shipperd said.

"He looked terrific out there. He landed the ball as he usually does in good areas with all his varieties so I think he was pretty happy."

AAP

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 14, 2011 12:26:32

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Warne laughs off Berry sledge

Updated December 08, 2011 17:33:26

Shane Warne has laughed off a suggestion he is too old to get through a seven-game season with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League Twenty20 competition.

Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry says the 42-year-old leg-spinner will be "cooked" well before the Stars host the Strikers at the MCG on January 19.

Warne bowled for almost an hour at the MCG nets on Thursday in preparation for his new team's opening game against Sydney Thunder at the MCG on December 17.

"It's not even worth responding to 'Chuck' (Berry)," Warne said of his former Victorian team-mate.

"Good on you 'Chuck'.

"We'll see how you go against us."

Warne, who retired from Tests in January 2007 but has played in the Indian Premier League T20 for the past four seasons, said he is feeling fit for his return to Australian domestic cricket.

Having reacted angrily in the past to remarks about his weight, Warne took everything in good humour on Thursday as Stars chairman Eddie McGuire announced EnergyAustralia as the team's principal partner and Jenny Craig as the secondary partner.

"I feel fit and healthy and strong," Warne said.

"The shoulder feels ready to go.

"I'm 78 kilos now. I want to get down to 75.

"They (Jenny Craig) will be able to help me lose another three."

Warne said he is confident he can still play a major on-field role, not just with his bowling but also on tactical matters.

The former Australian vice-captain says his main sphere of influence will be in the dressing rooms, imparting knowledge to his younger team-mates.

It is clear that his competitive instincts will kick in on December 17.

"I play for six weeks a year for the last few years (in the Indian Premier League T20) and don't do anything in between," Warne said.

"Success for me is about the team doing well and helping out.

"I wouldn't come out and play if I didn't think I could make a difference on the field."

The Melbourne boy is happy to see the sunshine of home again after doing a preseason in icy English conditions.

"I've been doing lots of fitness work. I've done more in probably the last six to 12 months than I did for 20-odd years," said Warne, who arrived home on Sunday.

Stars captain Cameron White says his players can learn a lot from Warne, one of Wisden's five cricketers of the 20th century.

"He has pretty much the best mind in the game," he said.

"Hopefully he plays well as well which I'm sure he will."

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 08, 2011 15:05:07

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Ponting lucky to stay in team: Warne

Published:Friday, June 17, 2011 7:21 AESTExpires:Thursday, September 15, 2011 7:21 AEST

Shane Warne says Ricky Ponting was lucky to stay in the Australian cricket team as the fallout continues from the axing of Simon Katich.

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Tags: sport, cricket, australia

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Grandstand Reflections: Shane Warne

Published:Wednesday, May 25, 2011 5:14 AESTExpires:Tuesday, August 23, 2011 5:14 AEST

Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne toasted his late mentor Terry Jenner in an interview with 891 ABC Adelaide's Mornings program in October 2010.

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Thorpe, Warne slim down

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 22/05/2011

Reporter: Barrie Cassidy

Ian Thrope and Shane Warne have been in the media as the swimmer prepares for a comeback and the cricketer gets fined by the IPL.

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Spin legend Warne bows out

Updated May 21, 2011 08:03:00

Australian spin legend Shane Warne brought the curtain down on his stellar cricket career stretching over two decades, bowing out with a winning appearance in the Indian Premier League.

A capacity crowd at the Wankhede Stadium witnessed Warne, captain of Rajasthan Royals, in action for the last time during his team's final league match against Mumbai Indians.

Rajasthan, already out of contention, gave a fitting send-off to the Australian with a 10-wicket victory over the local favourites. Warne picked one wicket for 30 runs off four overs.

"It's been a privilege and a pleasure to captain the Royals," Warne said after the match. "Hopefully, I've helped Indian cricket."

The last chapter in the career of one of the game's finest ever players has been typical of Warne, with the Australian charming and shocking the Indian public during a frustrating final season in charge of Rajasthan.

On the field, the 41-year-old has struggled for rhythm with his bowling and has suffered the indignity of being repeatedly hit over the ropes by youngsters looking to make their mark in the money-spinning tournament.

And as with so much of his turbulent career, attention has often focused on his off-field exploits, including a bitter row with Rajasthan Cricket Association secretary Sanjay Dixit over a choice of wicket, which led to a fine this week of $50,000.

"I think it was a bit silly and immature from both of our parts," said the father of three, whose rumoured face-lift and romantic link with British model Liz Hurley kept him constantly in the Indian headlines.

He also had a tiff with superstar Sachin Tendulkar and caused embarrassment in conservative India with his public kissing of Hurley -- which could have landed him in trouble under India's strict anti-obscenity laws.

"He (Warne) caused quite a sensation with his long lip-lock in full public view," Dixit wrote in a column.

"I had to quieten things down to make sure that the matter did not reach the courts."

Warne and Tendulkar appeared to clash earlier in the season after the Indian batsman complained about the Rajasthan pitch, but the tension was laughed off by Warne, who insisted they were "mates".

Tendulkar also paid tribute to the Australian great at the toss.

"He (Warne) is a true champion, a wonderful friend. I have not been privileged to play with him in the same team, but it's been a real treat to play against him," said Tendulkar.

"Congrats Warne for a wonderful career and I wish him all the luck for his future."

After scripting a title triumph with a rag-tag team in the first edition of the Twenty20 competition in 2008, Warne's final season as captain offered few rewards.

Despite the fizzle at the end of an explosive career, he will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time -- and in the eyes of many second only to legendary batsman Don Bradman in Australian cricket.

On his Test debut in 1992 he posted inauspicious figures of 1 for 150 but he then knuckled down under his mentor Terry Jenner and 18 months later caught the cricketing world's attention with the "ball of the century" against England.

The delivery, Warne's first in an Ashes Test, turned dramatically to bamboozle England's Mike Gatting and herald the arrival of a cricketing superstar.

Warne retired from international cricket in 2007 after resurrecting the art of leg-spin and becoming the first player to take 700 Test wickets.

Along the way, the cigarette-puffing, beer-swilling "Warney" survived drug and bookmaking scandals and pursued a scandalous personal life which is widely thought to have cost him the Australian captaincy.

His retirement is expected to include more sports commentating for television, commercial work, charity, and possibly coaching.

Among other things, he has an advertising deal with McDonald's in Australia, promotes a poker website and also finds time to design a range of men's underwear.

"I'm going to be 42 this year, I'm in a great place in life, both personally and from the business point of view, I just want to thank everyone who supported me," said Warne.

- AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia, india

First posted May 21, 2011 07:29:00

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Warne waves goodbye to cricket

Published:Saturday, May 21, 2011 8:10 AEST

Australian bowling legend and Rajasthan Royals' captain Shane Warne waves to the crowd as he leaves the field after his last international match on May 20, 2011.

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Warne hit with big fine for IPL bust-up

Updated May 18, 2011 21:28:00

The Indian cricket board on Wednesday slapped a $US50,000 fine on soon-to-retire bowling legend Shane Warne over a bust-up between the Australian and an official during this season's IPL.

The punishment casts a cloud over Warne's last game of professional cricket on Friday when his Rajasthan Royals team take on the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

The leg-spin maestro, captain of the Rajasthan team, was involved in an angry exchange with Sanjay Dixit, secretary of the Rajasthan state cricket association, following his team's defeat at home last week.

Warne was furious about his team being asked to play on a different wicket than one used in previous games, but he later apologised for "any distress" his action may have caused.

After a complaint by the Rajasthan cricket association, Warne and Dixit were summoned for a hearing before a disciplinary commission comprising IPL chairman Chirayu Amin and former player Ravi Shastri.

"The commission has decided to impose a fine of $US50,000 upon Mr Warne," the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which runs Indian cricket, said in a statement.

It said the disciplinary commission "regards the public criticism of Mr Dixit as being a serious breach by Mr Warne of his IPL playing contract".

"However, at the same time, the commission also recognises that Mr Warne has apologised to Mr Dixit, and that the incident occurred just after the match.

"In addition, the commission is cognisant of the contribution to the game of cricket in general, and to the Indian Premier League, which has been made by Mr Warne."

The 41-year-old touched off controversy when he hinted at a conspiracy over the selection of a new wicket for a home match against Chennai Super Kings which Rajasthan's spin-heavy attack struggled to bowl on.

Sacked former IPL boss Lalit Modi, who is under investigation for alleged corruption, has implied that Chennai owner and BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan used his influence to have the wicket changed.

Dixit claimed Warne had been putting pressure on him to provide a "suitable" pitch for Rajasthan's home matches.

Things came to a head when Warne walked up to Dixit following a second defeat against Bangalore on May 11 and exchanged angry words with him in full public view.

Rajasthan are already out of contention for an IPL play-off place after suffering seven defeats in 13 games.

A lacklustre Warne has taken 12 wickets from as many games in the Twenty20 competition so far.

His team's last game against debutants Kochi saw Rajasthan capitulate for just 97 and Warne did not even bother to bowl, uncharacteristic of the fiercely competitive sportsman.

- AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia, india

First posted May 18, 2011 20:41:00

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