There’s a rumour circulating the poker tables of Las Vegas that Shane Warne, Australia’s favourite spin wizard and cheeky commentator, has been approached to make a comeback at the WACA. But the speculation doesn’t end there. Apparently Warney is seriously considering it, but on one condition – he returns as skipper.
Warne is currently keeping his cards close to his chest, but rumours were fuelled during the Brisbane test when Nasser Hussain asked his co-commentator whether he’d consider a comeback. Having watched another Xavier Doherty delivery disappear into Brisbane Backpackers on Vulture St, Warney replied ‘never say never’ or words to that effect. I nearly choked on my hamburger and fries:
Nasser: ‘Are you fit enough to return to cricket, Shane?’
Warney: ‘Well I’ve been playing IPL. I’ll probably give that one more year’
Nasser: ‘A test match is a little bit different though’
Warney: ‘Yeah. I only have to bowl 4 overs in the IPL … and field for 20’
Nasser: ‘So it’s a little bit different then’
Warney: ‘Yeah, but never say never’.
At the time I just put the conversation down to typical Warney mischief. However, having seen him doing a pitch report with the Sky commentary team at Adelaide, he does look in good shape. Perhaps he is gearing up for a comeback?
Although the rumour probably has less substance to it than a Neighbours storyline, it’s quite good fun to toy with the idea. Warney makes Punter seem like a spring chicken. They’re also mates. I wonder how harmonious the dressing room would be?
Then there’s the possibility that Punter could be dropped if Warne returns. The Aussie press might call for Ponting to be replaced by Callum Ferguson, Phil Hughes, Kim Hughes or someone equally overrated or over the hill. Perhaps Benaud could make a comeback?
Unfortunately though, I doubt even the Australian selectors are dumb enough to recall Warne. He’d probably take a few wickets – more than Doherty or Steve Smith any way – but it would be a huge step backwards. It would also be an admission that their youngsters aren’t good enough.
Furthermore, if it’s going to happen – with Warne as skipper – it would have to happen in the next week. If the Aussies play badly at the WACA and England win, the Ashes are gone. So what would be the point in ‘turning’ to Warne then? Meanwhile, if the Aussies play well in Perth, Ponting will keep his job and the calls for Warney will subside.
Nah. Much as we’d like to see Warney pulling on his whites in the third test, it ain’t going to happen. It’s just a silly rumour – much like the one that claims the England team are so enamoured with Shane Watson, that they’ve invited him to their hotel to discuss how he makes friends so easily. Apparently it’s got something to do with his limitless charm and social graces.
James Morgan
Its their own version of the recall ramprakash from last year’s ashes post headingley :) although obviously the legend that is ‘ramps’ would have been a far better addition ;)
Well, you know what they say. Always do what the opposition would least want you to do. In this case I know Ian Bell probably won’t want to see Warney back. In addition Paul Collingwood (MBE) would undoutedly get some chirp from him.
I agree, he’d probably do OK, a few wickets, the odd flash with the bat. It would smack of desperation and not show encouragement towards the next generation of Aussie players.
There’s not a chance in hell of this happening. It’s flattering for a bloke like Warne to be centre of attention years after he’s retired, still talked of as the saviour of his side, Best captain Australia never had, but he knows it’s not going to happen. Of course, as long as he doesn’t absolutely rule it out the flattery continues.
Picking Warne would mean several things:
Ponting would be out of the side and in retirement
Australia would basically have given up
They already have to replace their opener, their number six, their spinner, and probably two of their three pace bowlers. Adding number three and the skipper to the bonfire would just be the last straw.
I’m all for it. I want 4 – 0. I don’t just want to beat them, I want to grind them into the dirt so badly they regret ever having taken up the game, and move to a country it isn’t played. ’89 was my formative series. I won’t be happy till I see them weep on the pitch.
I really think it could and maybe should happen. Australia have lost nearly all their stars bar Ponting and if they consider playing Haddin at 6 and Smith at 7, it would take some of the pressure off Warne. From what i saw from the IPL, he can still bowl very well. I cannot believe that Australia have anything to lose as the alternates to Doherty (e.g. nathan hauritz, Jason Krejza, Stephen O’Keefe) will not scare England. There is a danger that England’s batsmen will try and prove a point against the legend and make mistakes.
I know its not likely to happen but it would be great if it did.The thing is though although Warne is lapping up the attention does he really want to be in a team that loses the Ashes for a second time and the first time in Aussie land for 24 years? Probably not. That said though, I think he would instantly become their best bowler and the most likely to take England wickets.