Aussies can't bring Warne back if they replace him

CENTURION, South Africa - Australia will be allowed to replace Shane Warne at the World Cup.

International Cricket Council (ICC) general manager Dave Richardson revealed the defending champions could bring a new player into the squad even though Warne's likely omission would be due to suspension, not injury.

Warne is still awaiting the result of his B sample after the A sample from a test performed in Sydney last month tested positive for a diuretic.

"That's the rule set out before the tournament," said Richardson.

"If they bring someone in they can't bring Warne back. They haven't told us what they are intending to do as yet. I guess they are still waiting for (Warne's) B sample results."

There had been conjecture about whether Australia should be permitted to replace Warne because he was being forced out by his decision - innocently or otherwise - to take the diuretic.

It was a different situation to the plainly unlucky injury that ended South African Jonty Rhodes' tournament.

Australian selectors are yet to name a replacement for Warne.