I'm way ahead of schedule, says Warne after rousing return (8 November 1998)

8 November 1998

I'm way ahead of schedule, says Warne after rousing return

Agence France-Presse

MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov 8 (AFP) - Shane Warne announced he was "way ahead of schedule" in his comeback after a successful return to the Victorian state team in its domestic limited overs victory over New South Wales here Sunday.

The champion leg-spinner took 1-23 off eight overs and spoke enthusiastically about his form as Victoria continued their outstanding start to the Australian season with a 29-run win over Mark Taylor's NSW.

Victoria's total of 163 runs looked tiny but the Blues also struggled on the lively wicket and were dismissed for 134 from 43.4 overs with NSW batsman Graeme Rummans the man of the match with his 75.

"I'm not far away -- I'm not far off bowling flat-out for as long as I like," Warne said after Sunday's play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"I'm way ahead of schedule at the moment, it's not something I'm rushing.

"I've just got to get some match fitness and match practice and get some bowling under my belt.

After his first representative match since shoulder surgery last May, = Warne felt he could have bowled 10-15 overs Sunday and admitted he had held himself back.

"It's a bit exciting. At one stage there, I felt like absolutely ripping them, but at this stage I suppose I'm still a little tentative to go and rip every ball," he said.

"I was very happy with the eight overs I bowled today.

"Each day you get a bit more confidence and you know when you bowl it actually doesn't hurt."

Warne also had good news away from cricket in the last week, with word his wife Simone is expecting their second child.

NSW and Australian captain Mark Taylor agreed with the national selectors that Warne should probably not be called back into the national side until the third or fourth Ashes Test, but he could not conceal a big grin when talking about his No.1 strike bowler.

"I liked what I saw. The fact he bowled eight overs straight was great for Australian cricket, probably great for cricket full stop," Taylor said.

"I'm not so sure the English side will agree with me.

"It didn't look like he was quite going at full-tilt, but he wasn't far off it, so it's a very good sign at this stage.

"It's very hard to get back probably before the third Test, although I'd never rule a bloke like Shane out."

As long as Warne pulls up pain-free Monday he will take the next step in his recovery by leading in the Sheffield Shield cricket match against Western Australia in Perth this week.

Warne also impressed with the bat, hitting a quick-fire 24 off 29 balls.

The opening Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on November 20.