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| Player: | SK Warne, DAG Fletcher |
Shane Warne said Monday he would not be averse to helping England
recover from their Ashes drubbing, after coach Duncan Fletcher said he
would like to enlist the skills of the legendary spinner.
Writing in The Times newspaper, the champion leg-spinner said he had no
specific plans on his future career after retiring from Test cricket at
the end of Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England last week. He admitted
that the lure of the commentary box was "very attractive" but would
love to stay in the game, preferably helping the Aussies remain at the
top of the world game.
"Beyond that, I also want to make sure that cricket stays healthy
worldwide. So I would not have a problem helping in England, New
Zealand, South Africa or anywhere else," he added. "We live on a small
planet these days."
But Warne, who admitted it was "strange" to refer to himself as "Shane
Warne, the former Test cricketer", said he had received no specific
request from Fletcher or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Warne, who bowed out having taken 708 Test wickets - 195 of them
against England - said he retained a great affection for England,
having played in the English county championship for Hampshire.
During his time there, he said he had helped a number of England
bowlers informally, while England spinner Monty Panesar had sought his
advice after the Fifth Test in Sydney last Friday.
"Of course, there is a big difference between an informal chat, where
you wouldn't dream of asking for a cent, and actually being employed,"
he wrote. "I am not sure what Duncan has in mind, whether it is for me
to go around the counties or for bowlers to come to see me at
Hampshire. As a general comment, if I could help the cause of spin
bowling, if I have the time and if it fits in with my family, then I
would give it a lot of thought. Whatever I do, I want to do it
properly."
Fletcher, who is under fire in the aftermath of England's under-par
performance in the Ashes, raised the prospect of Warne crossing
cricket's great divide on Friday.
"I'd be happy with him to speak to anyone, there's no doubt about it,"
he told reporters in Sydney.
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