Warne Anxious To Meet Malik In Test One (08 Nov 1995)

Electronic Telegraph Wednesday 8 November 1995 Cricket

Warne prepares to meet Salim

By Peter Deeley in Brisbane

SHANE WARNE, anxious about his first encounter with Salim Malik since accusing the Pakistani of attempted bribery, has been given reassurance by Australian coach Bobby Simpson.

The leg-spinner has told friends he is not looking forward to bowling to Salim in the first Test of the three-match series which starts here tomorrow. He has also expressed reservations about playing in Pakistan during the World Cup.

Warne, Tim May and Mark Waugh all claim they were offered money by Salim a year ago to "under-perform" against Pakistan.

The Australian authorities refused to send the three to Pakistan to give evidence because they were concerned for their safety. The inquiry cleared Salim of the allegations and suggested that they had been concocted by the three.

Since then there has even been talk here of "hit men" targeting the players if they turn up in Pakistan in February - suggestions which were dismissed by Pakistani officials as "the figment of over-heated minds".

May bowled at Salim, and claimed his wicket, in Adelaide last week but Warne has been much the most apprehensive of the three and Simpson has spent much time attempting to rebuild the player`s confidence.

"The whole team has pledged their backing for Shane," Simpson said. "It has been a group effort and, hopefully, he`s now in a much better frame of mind."

Source :: Electronic Telegraph