ACB applies for permission to replace Shane Warne

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today that it has applied to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for confirmation that Australia will be able to replace Shane Warne at the World Cup if needed.

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the ICC has advised that the application will be considered by the World Cup Event Technical Committee (ETC) as soon as possible and maybe as early as Friday afternoon, South African time.

"We are seeking confirmation of our understanding that we are able to replace Shane if needed," Mr Sutherland said.

"A replacement player has not yet been finalised as this is pending results of final Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) testing of Shane's B sample.

"But we have applied for ETC confirmation so that we can later move more quickly to select and have a replacement player approved, if needed.

Meanwhile, the ACB is waiting on the outcome of ASDA testing of Shane Warne before deciding on a hearing date for the ACB Anti-Doping Committee.

Appointment of a three-person panel to conduct a hearing is expected to be announced early next week.