Warne back in Ashes picture?
Date released: 2 June 2008
Shane Warne, the arch tormentor of batsmen the world over, could be back in the picture for the 2009 Ashes Series, despite retiring from international cricket at the end of the 2007 Ashes.
Warne still haunts England batsmen - his portrait hangs at Lord's Asked about an Ashes return, Warne was recently quoted as saying: "If Stuey [Stuart] MacGill fell over and broke his leg and there were no other spinners around, it is something I would weigh up."
This was before MacGill announced his own Test cricket retirement. The injury-prone spinner confirmed Australia's current series against West Indies will be his last.
MacGill's retirement leaves Beau Casson as the only spinner in the Australia squad. Casson has yet to win a single Test cap and it's likely Australia would want the option of a more experienced spinner.
Warne on form
On Sunday, Warne captained the Rajasthan Royals to the inaugural Indian Premier League title. The wily leg-spinner's captaincy and 14 wickets at 18.78 proved he has lost none of his guile with the ball.
Warne famously loves playing against England too. Even his impressive career figures get a boost against 'the old Empire'.
Warne boasts 708 Test Match wickets at an average of 25.41. Against England his average inches down to 23.25. He also achieved his best ever bowling figures of 8/71 against England, in Brisbane in 1994.
Even with bat in hand his Test average of 17.32 moves up to 22 when England are the opposition.
Spin to win: Could Ashes fans see Warne again in 2009? The Ashes Series 2009 will be an enthralling contest. The prospect of Warne making an international comeback only adds to the excitement already surrounding the Series.
Tickets for the Ashes Test Match at Lord's will, as always, be extremely sought after. The general public will be able to apply for tickets via the Lord's ballot system.
Online applications for the ballot open on Monday 1 December - make a note in your diary now!
Also on Lords.org
- Tours of Lord's - See Warne's portrait
- MCC Museum - Visit the Ashes urn
MCC Debentures
Guarantee one of Lord's best seats for the Ashes Series 2009 - and beyond
