Warne's behaviour again in the spotlight

The off-field behaviour of champion Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne's has again been thrust into the spotlight, with allegations arising from a South African newspaper that he has sent suggestive mobile phone messages to a Johannesburg woman.

The Sunday Times quoted Helen Cohen Alon, 45, who claimed, among other things, she met Warne during the Australian tour of South Africa in 2002 and dated him several times.

In a statement issued through his management, Warne refused to comment further.

"We regard the allegations of the South African woman, Helen Cohen Alon, as a personal issue between Shane, Simone [Warne's wife] and the relevant parties," the statement said.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said at this stage the issues raised rest between the individuals involved.

"Cricket Australia is aware that international cricketers attract more public and media scrutiny than private individuals," Mr Sutherland said.

"There are obligations and standards incumbent on players, but there is also a boundary between their public lives and their lives as private citizens."