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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Patient Pietersen helps England to safety

Updated December 13, 2012 22:50:11

An uncharacteristic stealthy knock from Kevin Pietersen and a lower middle-order rearguard effort brought England near parity at the end of the first day of the fourth Test with India.

The tourists ended the day on 5 for 199, with debutant Joe Root unbeaten on 31 and wicketkeeper Matt Prior with him on 34.

It was Pietersen's innings of 73 from 188 balls which stopped the Indians from setting up a much-needed victory to draw the series, which England currently lead 2-1.

Controversially, India went into the game with four spinners and Ishant Sharma the only recognised pace bowler, but he did the job of two men taking the wickets of openers Nick Compton (3) and crucially Alastair Cook (1).

Jonathan Trott (44) put on 86 with Pietersen to take England past the three figures mark before shouldering arms to a straight delivery from Ravinda Jadeja (2 for 34).

Ian Bell's indifferent run of form continued as he fell for one to leg-spinner Piyush Chawla playing in his first Test for India in four-and-a-half years.

Debutant all-rounder Jadeja frustrated the England bowlers with 13 maidens from his 25 overs and eventually Pietersen's patience ran out as he gited a catch to Ojha.

At 5 for 139 England was in trouble but Root and Prior held on for the rest of the final session to leave the match finely poised going into the second day.

Tags: sport, cricket, india, england

First posted December 13, 2012 22:50:11

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