Warne rules out World Cup

6 October 2006

Shane Warne © Getty Images

Shane Warne will not play any Ford Ranger one-day Cup matches this season, almost certainly ruling him out of any return to the limited-overs international arena.

There had been suggestions that Warne could make a one-day comeback in time for Australia’s World Cup defence in the West Indies next spring.

But the 37-year-old, who has not turned out for the Baggy Greens in a ODI since January 2003, has reaffirmed his retirement from the shorter version of the game at all levels.

Warne said: "As has been well documented, I haven't had international aspirations in the one-day game for some time.

"While managing my workload ahead of the Ashes is also a consideration, I feel it's appropriate to step aside at state level and allow another Victorian to play and push for higher honours."

Warne, who appeared in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups, but was controversially sent home before the start of the 2003 competition due to a positive drug test.

But while he will sit out first-class one-day matches, Warne will line up for Victorian Premier Cricket side St Kilda in a one-day fixture this weekend for a good cause.

"This weekend Cricket Australia is promoting Long Live Club Cricket, which is an initiative I'm passionate about,” he added.

“I'll return to my grass roots and play for St Kilda, which is something I rarely get the chance to do."

Warne will continue to play for Victoria in the Pura Cup in a bid to increase his fitness and to get some match practice ahead of the Ashes Test series, which gets underway in Brisbane on November 23.