Warne named as Australian vice-captain for VB Series match against New Zealand

Shane Warne has been named Australian vice-captain for the VB Series match against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday 17 January, it was announced today.

Warne temporarily replaces Adam Gilchrist in the role after Gilchrist stepped down to spend time with his wife Melinda and new-born son Harrison. He is replaced in the side by Western Australian team-mate Ryan Campbell.

32 year-old Warne, who is Australia's leading wicket-taker in Tests and one-day internationals, was nominated for the position by the national selection panel of Chairman Trevor Hohns, Allan Border, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch.

That nomination has been accepted by the Australian Cricket Board's (ACB) Directors.

It is a return to the vice-captaincy, albeit temporarily, for Warne, who previously held the position before Gilchrist took over for Super Challenge 2000 at Colonial Stadium in August 2000.

Gilchrist will resume the role when he rejoins the squad, which is expected to be when it assembles in Brisbane on Friday ahead of the match against South Africa at The Gabba on Sunday 20 January.

ACB Chairman Bob Merriman said: "The national selection panel recommended Shane's temporary appointment for the match against New Zealand in the absence of Adam Gilchrist.

"The Directors have agreed to that recommendation and we wish Shane and the rest of the Australian team all the best."

Shane Warne said: "It's great to be back in the role as vice-captain, even if it is only temporary.

"As it was when I was first appointed vice-captain, it is always an honour to be in a leadership role for Australia, especially when there are so many other candidates within the side.

"When I was relieved of the vice-captaincy back in 2000, the ACB told me the door was not closed so it was great to be told the news I was appointed vice-captain for the upcoming match.

"My job now is to give Stephen whatever support he needs as we look to get our first win on the board in this year's VB Series.

"As for the future, there is no point in looking too far ahead. As far as I'm concerned, Stephen Waugh and Adam Gilchrist are doing a great job as captain and vice-captain and I'm just filling in for this match, but it's nice to know I'm still in the thoughts of the Board and the selectors down the track."

In Warne's previous spell as vice-captain, he helped guide Australia to victory in the 1998/99 Carlton & United Series against England and Sri Lanka, filling in for much of that series as captain when Stephen Waugh was absent with a hamstring injury.

Thursday's match at the SCG is a sell-out, as are the matches on 20 January (Australia v South Africa at The Gabba) 22 January (Australia v South Africa at the SCG) and 8 February (second VB Series final at the SCG).

Tickets for other matches in the VB Series are available from usual outlets.

South Africa currently tops the VB Series ladder with eight points from two wins against Australia and New Zealand. The Black Caps are in second place after beating Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the opening match of the series.

Australia is yet to record a win from two matches.

The umpires for the Australia-New Zealand VB Series clash at the SCG are Simon Taufel and Bob Parry, with Darrell Hair the third umpire and Hanumant Singh, the former Indian Test batsman, the International Cricket Council's match referee.

The match is a day-night game starting at 1430.