If only Warnie had a bit more faith in McGrath!

Sydney, Jan 4 (UNI) Spin master Shane Warne remains the only player to have scored more test runs sans a century in the history of the game, but he could have written the script differently if he had a bit more faith in fellow retiree and bowling partner Glenn McGrath.

Warnie could have banked on the Pigeon's batting abilities after playing 104 Tests together.

However, with 71 runs already against his name and a maiden hundred looking very much a possibility in his Test finale, Warne didn't expect to complete his fairytale with triple figures when McGrath walked on to the crease today.

''Once I got to 60 and 70 then Pigeon came out and no disrespect but... he said 'I will get you over the line for a hundred. I have got many players over the line for a hundred','' Warne was quoted as saying by AAP.

In reply, the blonde spinner said, ''Mate let's just have a little bit of fun'.

''It has been unbelievable, I did not really think I could get a hundred at that stage and maybe I (could have) had a bit more faith in Pigeon.

''Honestly that would have been a dream if I had been able to get a hundred but my script writer has been on fire most of the summer.'' Warne, who became the first bowler to collect 700 Test wickets in front of his home crowd at Boxing Day Test at the MCG, was finally stumped out to his unabashed admirer and counterpart in the England team Monty Panesar as he attempted to hoist Panesar over the ropes one time too many.

However, Warne said he did not have any regrets and even the emotional Sydney crowd applauded the magician on his way back to the pavilion.

''I thoroughly enjoyed it, I think everyone in the world knew I was going to go down and try and slog it, it was just one of those things. I had a ball (today),'' he said.

''I like to think I have made it pretty cool.'' Warne's 71, which was his 12th half century, came off 65 balls studded with nine fours and two huge sixes.

UNI