Warne allegations no effect on captaincy: ACB

Australia's cricket selectors had been unaware of accusations against Shane Warne when they appointed Ricky Ponting captain of the one day team, an Australian Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman said today.

Warne has been accused of inappropriately kissing a teenage girl on Queensland's Gold Coast last month. Warne has denied the accusation and has the backing of the ACB.

A man who allegedly demanded money from the ACB to keep quiet about the allegations is being investigated by Victoria police. No charges have been laid.

The ACB's general manager of public affairs Brendan McClements said today the allegations had not been a factor in the surprise appointment of Ponting as captain and Adam Gilchrist as his deputy ahead of Warne.

"The system for appointing captains and vice-captains is that the selectors recommend to the (ACB) directors who have the ultimate say," McClements told Melbourne radio 3AW.

"The selectors and directors weren't made aware of (the allegations) before those decisions were taken.

"Once the recommendation came forward from the selectors that they had nominated Ricky and Adam, Shane's name didn't arise in relation to captain or vice captain."

McClements said only senior ACB managers dealing with the issue, chief executive James Sutherland and chairman Bob Merriman were aware of the allegations.

The ACB yesterday would not name the cricketer at the centre of the allegations, but urged Warne to respond when named on television.

"Once that happened, our view was that Shane should be stating his case loudly and clearly."

Warne, playing against South Africa A in the Australian team's opening tour match at Potchefstroom, said it was sad the people involved had tried to cash in on his fame.

"Obviously, I can't comment and I can't speak about the specifics of the case, but I would like to put on record the fact it's all rubbish and it's disappointing and it's sad that these people have tried to take advantage of my high profile, who I am and the Australian Cricket Board," he said in a statement.

Fellow teammate Brett Lee also released a brief statement supporting Warne.