Warne's paid the price for scandal, says Border (7 January 1999)

7 January 1999

Warne's paid the price for scandal, says Border

AFP

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan 7 (AFP) - National selector Allan Border says he had no hesitation in recommending Shane Warne as Australia's one-day captain in the absence of injured Steve Waugh.

Border was at odds with those who claimed Warne and his vice-captain Mark Waugh should be ruled out after they acknowledged taking money for supplying information to an Indian bookmaker in 1994.

"I know what they did was silly and was wrong but I think it's a done deal as far as I'm concerned," Border said Thursday.

"They've paid the price, a heavy price and to me it's over now and let's get on with the job."

Warne and Mark Waugh will lead the side against England in Brisbane on Sunday and against Sri Lanka in Sydney on Wednesday, with regular skipper Steve Waugh missing the matches with a hamstring injury.

However, both men will miss Friday's first training session as they will be here giving evidence to the Pakistani judicial commission investigating their allegations that former Pakistan captain Salim Malik offered them money to play badly.

With Warne returning to the one-day side no place was found for fifth Test hero and fellow legspinner Stuart MacGill. But Border said the selectors had not ruled out the prospect of both playing in the side in future.

"I'm reasonably keen to see how he (MacGill) goes in one-day cricket," Border said.

"He is a wicket-taking bowler and if you are bowling those middle overs and taking wickets that's the best way to stop the opposition getting your score or setting you a big score."

Border said he did not believe too many sides would relish the prospect of facing two top-class leg spinners in a one-day international.

Source :: AFP