Warne back with Aussie team

Australia’s greatest leg-spinner, Shane Warne, has been recruited to work with Australia’s Twenty 20 squad in the lead-up to the ICC World Twenty 20 in March.

Cricket Australia (CA) today announced that Warne will support Head Coach Darren Lehmann as a consultant, providing specialist coaching to the spin bowlers selected in the Twenty 20 squad soon after it assembles in South Africa on March 3.

Lehmann said Warne’s short-term assignment with the team reflects CA’s growing emphasis on providing national players with more specialised coaching throughout the year.

“We believe our national teams can really benefit from more specific skill-based coaching as and when it is needed. This will mean that from time to time we will enlist the support of experts in their craft to work with our players and share their experiences,” Lehmann said.

“In the case of the ICC World Twenty 20, we believe spin bowling will be critical to success. There’s no better person than Shane to help guide the spinners we select in that squad.

“He was a gifted cricketer and remains passionate about spin bowling and seeing our players be the best that they can be. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

And the man himself is rapt to be involved with the national team again.

“I’m excited to be working with Australia’s spinners in South Africa. I’m looking forward to helping them with some intense bowling preparation ahead of the World Twenty 20, where we’ll specifically work on tactics and mindset,” said Warne.

The Australian Twenty 20 side plays three matches against South Africa on 9 March (Port Elizabeth), 12 March (Durban) and 14 March (Pretoria) before departing for the ICC World Twenty 20 in Bangladesh.