We never seem to hear the last of Shane Keith Warne. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2007, the legendary leg-spinner hasn’t exactly fallen into oblivion.
The controversial Victorian has been a soap opera of his own through the media.
From his high-profile relationship with Elizabeth Hurley, to on-field fighting and an infamous Twitter page, the life of Warnie is never dull.
Is this stealing of the spotlight all a bit much though?
In recent times it appears so, with the majority of stories surrounding Warne and his camp being of the negative variety.
Warne was always somewhat of a villain off the field, with his past including such incidents including testing positive to drugs in 2003 and the sending of crude text message to his now ex-wife.
This notorious history did not have to carry on into his post-international career.
Warne could have bowed out of the game silently like an Adam Gilchrist, or he could have chosen a more positive and useful path such as becoming a coach or assistant. But it’s just not the Warney way.
As aforementioned, Warne’s latest controversies have yielded no positives. His ugly confrontation with West-Indian Marlon Samuels on the MCG during the Big Bash League put the spotlight on the 43-year-old as well as presenting him with a hefty fine and a suspension from the competition.
Just a few weeks later, failing to name himself as captain saw Warne in trouble with Cricket Australia authorities again. This led to an outburst on Twitter and his partner Hurley brushing with a television journalist.
The “King of Spin’s” outspoken attitude was on show as recently as after Australia’s loss in the second T20I on Monday evening. Warne unleashed a scathing attack on Twitter towards Cricket Australia, labelling them as “muppets” and demanding a change in management.
Even prior to all these altercations and problems, Warne threw himself into the spotlight saying he “could” tour England this year in the Ashes series. Good luck with that, Shane.
ThomasHudson9
Roar Pro
He may well be right, but the was he is conducting himself isn't acceptable.
Josh
Guest
That is an average piece of writing. Whilst Warne may attract a high-level of controversy, Warne's point at the moment is probably pretty accurate. Sutherland took over in 2001, when we were top of the world in all forms of the game. Now look at us, clearly behind England and the Saffas in test matches, ODIs we trail India, Sri Lanka and SA, and T20 we would be lucky to be in the top 4. Where has the planning gone - Sutherland should be held accountable, and that is what Warne is trying to do here. Whilst his behaviour in the Big Bash may not have been great, it should detract from his current point. Finally, I think you'll find the majority of the controversy with Warne's text messages, were those that he sent to other women (not his wife)...
TheGenuineTailender
Roar Guru
That blow up with Samuels was a disgrace. Warne acted like a 12 year old school girl in front of the world. He's becoming sour in his old age. Not to mention he's definitely no longer the cricketer he once was.