Statement by Shane Warne to media conference, Melbourne Airport, Wednesday, 12 February 2003

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pretty tired and still trying to come to terms with what has happened. I still feel a bit in shock and devastated at the news.

Obviously I would prefer to be in South Africa congratulating Andrew Symonds on a wonderful innings and the rest of the boys on the great start to the World Cup.

While my best wishes are with the team and I wish I was there being my last one-day international for Australia. I felt it was important to address these issues personally.

However I am hopeful of returning back to South Africa to play a part in the World Cup.

I am limited in what I can say tonight because it is important I don't compromise the formal hearing that is coming up.

I wanted to speak with you guys tonight to keep you up to date with the situation as best I can, keeping in mind I am only permitted to say so much.

I can confirm that the fluid tablet I took before appearing to announce my retirement from One Day Cricket was given to me by my mum.

Contrary to speculation, taking it had nothing to do with the treatment for my shoulder injury or for masking any banned substance.

I did not give it another thought until contacted by the ASDA this week.

My most recent previous ASDA test was on 12 December and it was negative.

I do not, never have and never will take any performance enhancing drugs.

They have no place in cricket and I do not condone them in any way.

The B sample test is to be held as soon as it can be arranged, which will, hopefully, be before the end of the week.

I don't know yet how long the tests will take or when the hearing will be held, but hope it is sooner rather than later.

I am sorry that it is not appropriate to go into any further detail and I am not able to take questions or make further public comment until the committee has the opportunity to look at all the evidence and circumstances and makes its decision.

In concluding, I understand there is a lot of public interest and I will do my best to talk as openly as I can. I always have.

In the meantime can you please respect me and my family's privacy."