Warne accepts CA role, to coach Australia spinners

Melbourne, Dec 26 (UNI) Spin champion Shane Warne has accepted a role with Cricket Australia (CA) to coach and develop young Austalian spin bowlers, CA announced today.

Warne, who retired from international cricket in January, with a then record 708 Test wickets, will work with Australia's men's and women's national squads, the captains of Australia's state sides and at the Centre of Excellence.

''I am really excited to work with Cricket Australia and give back to the game,'' said Warne whose record was surpassed by Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan earlier this month.

Warne will also give guidance to the Australian Under-19 squad ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup next year, as well as working on CA's playing conditions committee where he will offer recommendations to the world governing body about the on-field development of cricket.

''The work I'm going to be doing with young spinners and their state captains is a really important role and I believe I've got a lot to offer,'' Warne said in a CA statement.

''I've already had some contact with some youngsters around the country but to be able to work in a structured way with spin bowlers and their captains will hopefully give teams an even greater understanding of how to develop spin bowling talent.

''The initiatives I'll be working on with kids and in the area of game development are important and I intend to make a meaningful contribution back into the grass-roots of cricket.

''I'm in a different phase of my life now and it's going to be interesting being on the other side of the table and helping to influence and shape the future direction of the game in Australia,'' the Hampshire captain said.

''I'm also excited to be working with Cricket Australia's technical committee on playing conditions. I have got some thoughts on the game that I can bring to that group,'' added Warne, who recently blasted the ''arrogant mindset'' of administrators and ex-players about the state of Australian cricket.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said having Warne on board was a huge boost for the organisation.

''Shane Warne is someone with a true passion for Australian cricket and when you combine that with his obvious expertise it is a very exciting prospect for Australian cricket,'' Sutherland said.

''While spin bowling will be a focus of Shane's work there are a number of areas he will be involved in. Through this role we hope to see Shane Warne's positive impact on Australian cricket continue well into the future.'' UNI XC PDS DB2040