Shane Warne appointed to MCC World Cricket Committee

Shane Warne has been appointed to the MCC World Cricket committee.

Warne, who claimed 708 Test wickets to cement his status as one of the game's all-time greats, will take over from his fellow Australian, the former wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, who is standing down after six years in the role.

"It is an honour to have been asked to be a member of the MCC World Cricket committee," said Warne. "It is an extremely exciting time for cricket and I hope that I will have plenty to offer in discussion and debate. I look forward to contributing to the work of the committee."

The committee, which meets twice a year to discuss the important issues in the game, has forged a reputation as an independent voice in world cricket, and has tabled a number of recommendations that have gone on to be implemented by the ICC, including the development of pink balls for floodlit cricket, the mandatory use of DRS in international cricket, and a limit on bat sizes to improve the balance between bat and ball.

One of the key outcomes of the committee's last meeting, which was held at Lord's in August, was the proposal that a "shot clock" should be introduced to help speed up play.

Mike Gatting, Chairman of the MCC World Cricket committee, said: "We're delighted to welcome Shane on to the committee. Obviously his profile in the world game is as big as they come and with his extensive experience, I am sure he will offer great insights into many different facets of the game.

"I'd also like to pay tribute to Rod Marsh, who leaves the committee after six years. He has provided valuable contributions across a variety of areas and we thank him for his efforts."

Warne made his debut against India at Sydney in 1992 and bowed out 15 years later at the same venue, with a 5-0 Ashes series win in 2006-07. He also took 293 wickets in 194 ODIS, making him one of only two bowlers, alongside Muttiah Muralitharan, to have taken over 1,000 international wickets across all formats of the game.

Warne spent five seasons in English county cricket with Hampshire, and captained the side between 2004 and 2007. He officially retired from all formats of the game in 2013 following stints in Australia's Big Bash and the Indian Premier League, but returned to captain the Rest of the World XI against MCC at Lord's to celebrate the Bicententary of the ground in 2014. He was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in 2009.