Where there’s smoke there’s fire with Shane Warne. Australian captain Michael Clarke reignited the flames yesterday.
“Yeah, I spoke to Warnie and nothing has really changed.”
“I think Warnie retired about five years ago and from the day he retired I’ve been asking him to come back and play (Tests) for Australia”.
Crystal clear where the skipper stands, the rest is up to Shane Warne.
He’s 43, and to quote him he’s fit and bowling as well as ever.
Those are the two most vital factors – to link with the undisputed fact he’s the best – the best leggie in history, the best captain Australia never had which is Warne’s own fault with his off-field misdemeanours, the best television commentator, and still the best drawcard in Australian cricket.
Charisma plus.
But then it gets harder. If he is to return he will have to play Sheffield Shield cricket for the Vics, a stipulation from both the selectors and Clarke.
That’s the only real stumbling block with Warne so multi-talented he may not feel obliged to restrict his activities.
He has one foot in London with fiancee Liz Hurley, the other in Melbourne with his kids, the distance too great.
But you can see where Clarke is coming from with a Test attack that no-one fears, an attack that has great difficulty is dismissing good sides twice to win a Test.
His pacemen keep breaking down so there’s little continuity and four spinners on the roster – offies Nathan Lyon and Glenn Maxwell, and left armers Michael Beer and Xavier Doherty – none of whom will ever rip opposition batsmen apart.
And no leggies.
Warne knows the how, underlined by his 37 hauls of five Test wickets in an innings and 10 wickets in a match 10 times.
The current attack can only dream of those figures.
So let’s have Warne back in the mix.
The Ashes schedule is exciting – five Tests in England from July 10 to August 25 at Trent Bridge, Lords, Old Trafford, Chester-le-Street, and The Oval followed by five more in Australia from November 21 to January seven at the Gabba, Adelaide, WACA, MCG, and SCG.
History making.
That schedule would become even more exciting if Shane Keith Warne was an integral part of it.
It’s entirely up to him.
Disco
Roar Guru
I don't have any expectations that Clarke will say anything remotely insightful.
Disco
Roar Guru
What unbelievable drivel.
Steele
Guest
I'm with David and the sheek on this one! Who do you think the poms wanna face more? Warney or Lyon? I'm tipping they'd pick Lyon regardless of age. Two shit overs in t20 isn't really a fair indication. Lyon and the rest of our spinners are that sub par that i can't believe people are actually debating this! Get him in!!
Bearfax
Guest
What about Bill Lawry. Said he would play. Richie Benaud surely isnt too old is he. My major concern is not whether Warne was still good enough....we know he's one of the greats and even at his age would send scares through the English camp. The issue I see is this. We have a Shield comp that players work hard through to prove their worthiness for the test squad.There are a number of young spin bowlers out there waiting their chance and benefiting from the experience of playing test cricket. We need them to develop for the future. Sure Warne would probably still out bowl all of them and would no doubt benefit the Oz side greatly. But Warne no longer plays grade or Shield cricket, and even if he comes back for the Ashes, he will probably only do it once. Is that what we really want long term. We are trying to find the team for the next 5-10 years. Having a couple of young spinners come through to contest for the role is healthy for the sport. Allowing Warne to just walk in, I believe, is not. Granted he's an exceptionally talented spinner. But he has retired and we have to move on. If he returned to Shield and other first class cricket with a serious intention of performing long term and demonstrated through his performance a justification for resuming his test role, consideration may be worthy. But we have just seen off Ponting, Gilchrist, Hayden, McGrath, all greats and missed, to make room for the next generation. Why should we be making an exception with Warne, just because we want to win the Ashes. No! Let him play his 20's tournaments which are better suited to the older players now enjoying retirement. But leave the tests to those proving themselves week by week.
pim
Guest
You took the words out of my mouth Dave. His make-up bill must be killing him!
Brewski
Guest
Generally Warnie still bowls OK, maybe last night there was still a bit of face lotion on his hands !! :)
Neuen
Roar Rookie
That picture of him. Is that a new one or a old one cause he looked well very slim on it haha
sheek
Roar Guru
Neuen, Dodging a 140km/h ball isn't a problem. Batsmen these days are padded up like the Michelin man. Although Arthur made me laugh with the melting in the sun quip. Is Fonz suggesting there's too much plastic in Warnie's face these days? ;-)
sheek
Roar Guru
Hi Bigbaz, Must be the human flaw in my character..... ;-)
jamesb
Guest
langou thank you, someone has finally mentioned Lyons name in this debate. Lyon has taken 54 wickets at an average of 30.64 in 16 tests. Thats not bad for a spinner who is still trying to learn his craft at test level. Lyon could be a couple of years away from been a geniune wicket taker. Also the one positive in Australian cricket the last 12 months is we are not chopping and changing our spinners which the selectors frequently did after Warnes retirement. I'm also looking forward to the development of young spinners like Cameron Boyce, Adam Zampa and Ashton Turner. Actually Warney should be coaching those spinners along with Lyon. As for Warne, its all publicity for the Big Bash. Lets imagine a 44 year old taking on Alistair Cook who is at the height of his powers. It would be a horror show, similar to one of Elvis Presley's last concerts. Warney making a comeback is utter folly!
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Nodding my head at Brett nodding his head at Cam Shaking his.
Arthur Fonzarelli
Guest
I m more concerned that his facial composition can handle 5 consecutive days of sunlight without melting.
Shahid
Guest
Hi David! Warne and gilchrist are a part of history. It would be a joke for cricket two young players should drop and two old should include in test squad for young cricketers. Are you kidding. Warne and Gilchrist should convert their experience to young cricketers.
langou
Roar Guru
Really disappointed by the fact no one (Australian captain included) has made the point that we already have a really good spinner. Lyon has made the spot his own and deserves more credit.
Matt F
Roar Guru
That's all fair enough from Clarke. Warne at his best would walk into any test side in the world right now so if he wants to have a crack I don't see the harm, as long as he takes it seriously. He will need to first prove himself for Victoria and probably even in grade cricket first. If he really is still good enough then he'll have no trouble at the lower levels. If he isn't willing to earn his spot and prove himself at the lower levels then he shouldn't be considered.
Neuen
Roar Rookie
I won't be concerned about Warne's bowling but his batting and trying to dodge a 140km/h bouncer directed at his nose.
dasilva
Roar Guru
Although I will say that Clarke doesn't have a good track record in supporting aging heroes and recognising when they are past it.
dasilva
Roar Guru
It is nonsense but then people will have to start scrutinising on what Clarke said because he seems to be supporting this nonsense.
Brett McKay
Guest
Nodding my head at Cam shaking his. This is complete nonsense..
Gatesy
Guest
Forget Warnie - make a pitch for Israel Folau!! (oh. no, that's right, I forgot he'll be playing for the Wallabies against the Lions about the time of the next Ashes, won't he?)