It has been announced in an Australian Cricket Board Media Release that leg-spinner Shane Warne will retire from international one-day cricket after the ICC World Cup 2003 which starts in South Africa next month.

Australia’s leading international wicket-taker in one-day cricket said he made the decision after discussing it with medical advisers, national selectors, the national coach, John Buchanan, Australian team captains, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh and the Australian Cricket Board.

“Having suffered a second minor injury to my right shoulder has made me think about what I can do to prolong my playing career, particularly in Test cricket,” he said.
“I have been pleased with my recovery since the injury on 15th December, but I have now suffered two major injuries to the one area - I am 33 - and I am not getting any younger.

“I am really looking forward to completing the recovery and hopefully helping the boys successfully defend the World Cup in February and March.
“My number one priority after the World Cup is playing Test cricket for Australia and I will not be doing anything to jeopardise that.”

Chairman of Selectors, Trevor Hohns said that co-selectors and Warne had talked through the long term pressures of international one-day cricket. “The selectors agree that removing those pressures should prolong his effectiveness as a Test bowler,” Hohns said.
Warne is still hoping to force his way back into the side for the current VB Series finals between Australia and England. Longer term, he plans to continue playing for Victoria and Hampshire, subject to constant medical monitoring of workload and fitness designed to ensure his ability to play Test cricket is not compromised.

Warne has played 191 one-day internationals for Australia since his debut against New Zealand in 1992-93, including 11 as captain and has taken 288 wickets at an average of 25.79 with best figures of 5 for 33. He has totaled 1016 runs with the bat at an average of 13.19 with a top score of 55. He has held 80 catches.

His last one-day international for Australia was against England at the MCG on December 15th, 2002, during which he dislocated his right shoulder whilst fielding to his own bowling. He is the sixth highest wicket-taker in one-day international history, and the highest wicket-taker for Australia.

He has played 107 Tests for his country taking 491 wickets at 25.71 apiece since 1991-92 and is the second highest wicket-taker in Test history behind West Indian Courtney Walsh, who took 519 wickets in his 132- Test career.

No doubt Warne will be eyeing his opportunity to overtake Walsh’s record if he can stay fit enough to play further for Australia in the five-day game.

By David Kenworthy

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