IPL king Warne should forget about a return to Test cricket

Indian Premier League - IPL / Paul Moon / 27 May 2008 / 1 Comments

Pablo Luna - Moonlighting for Betfair. Pablo praises the achievements of cricket's "king of spin" Shane Warne but warns the great man about the downfalls of a comeback to Test cricket

Shane Warne (13 September 1969) has maliciously tormented English batsmen throughout his career and to make matters worse, he is releasing waves of hysteria across the cricketing globe by threatening a sensational comeback!

He told the Herald Sun that if the circumstances were right he would return if called upon by his country for the 2009 Ashes Series. He confirmed, with tongue in cheek, that if Australia really needed him, if Stuart MacGill broke a leg, if he could just play in the Ashes matches then that would be cool, whatever cool is (a terrible expression)!

It would make the 2009 Ashes series an even greater international sporting spectacle so should we take this hypothetical contemplation sincerely? Of course not, what a silly idea! Taking the declaration seriously just for a millisecond there are several reasons why he cannot or should not play international cricket again.

First of all he will be too old. Come the 2009 Ashes he will be nearly 40. I know that Bobby Simpson played at 42 but his body lacked the lifestyle choices of Warne with ravages of abuse that included cigarettes and drink and resulted in weight issues over the years.

Moreover I doubt if he is fit enough at the moment to last five days in a Test match, yet alone next year. While I am certain his bowling would still be too good for our inept apologies (batmen) his body would not hold up to a tour which would be a prerequisite. He has already signalled the end of his first class career with Hampshire so that he can concentrate on other exciting business opportunities, including poker events. So despite playing some Twenty20 cricket, he will be out of the fitness loop!

Smiling and genial selector Merv Hughes put it succinctly saying "There's a lot of difference between playing a Test series and playing a string of Twenty20 games and bowling four overs at a time. In any case how many times does he need to climb the same mountain?" He continued "Warne has not given selectors any indication he intended to un-retire and that he would have to prove himself, as everyone has to, and you can't prove your fitness for Test cricket by playing Twenty20". CA chief executive Sutherland also quickly distanced his organisation from Warne's comments.

Warne has claimed that he needs to spend more time with his family and I would suggest that he is right on that score. He is still very marketable and there will always be lots of opportunities inside and outside cricket within Australia. Realistically, he has admitted that he believes his work with young Aussie spinners and state skippers should negate the need for him to again terrorise the English. Another obstacle in returning would be the damage to his friendship with Stuart MacGill, who unluckily has spent his whole career in his shadow.

Sporting icons bowing out at the right time in sport is essential so that regard, affection and reputation are held intact. Warne retired at the right time and resuming his career would be sheer folly bordering close to madness! The likelihood of him becoming a sad joke beckons, not something I want to see or remember! History is littered with comeback failures! I say leave fantasy for the movies.

The adrenaline must be coursing through the veins of Shane Warne at the moment as he takes his Rajasthan Royals closer to winning the IPL. The latest Betfair odds show his team as favourites: the Royals (known as Jaipur in Betfair's market are [3.35] Mohali [3.55] Delhi [3.95] Chennai [5.7] Mumbai [13.5]

The Royals were considered the outsiders and the weakest team in the IPL. They did not have a designated Icon Player. Warne was not viewed as top dog material at the IPL auction in February but he has worked miracles leading the Rajasthan Royals to the top of the Indian Premier League table and a place in the semi-finals.

He is the only non-Indian cricketer to lead and captain a side in the IPL but he has turned out to be the league's most dominant personality. He has succeeded with his unfancied charges using his shrewd tactical brain. I am not sure if he is able but he could have years left in this sphere of the game if he looks after himself. He has certainly endeared himself into Indian cricket folklore and here lies a nice little earner! Will he take heed?

After the security problems and apprehensions of playing in the bomb-ravaged city of Jaipur, Shane Warne, Shane Watson and Graeme Smith can look forward to playing in Mumbai for the semi-finals which should be a huge relief for them. It could free them up mentally and just help them over the finishing line, I hope so, I have locked in profit at a nice price...

Comments (1)

1. Jack Kelleher | 16 September 2008

   Shane Warne is a legend in his own right. "Every dog has his day" to coin a phrase, and he has been fortunate to have had more than his fair share. However it would be suicidal for him to return to the Test scene when as the article says he retired with his record in tact and his marketability sky high. Only a fool would put their highly profitable future at risk by making such an ill advised choice.

   Let Stuart MacGill have his moment on the big stage.