Warne set for county opportunity (23 June 1997)

Monday 23 June 1997

Warne set for county opportunity

By Charles Randall

SHANE WARNE suggested yesterday that he could be playing county cricket next year and that the reason would not be simply financial.

The Australian leg-spinner said in a Sunday newspaper article under his name that several counties had expressed interest in sign- ing him and that he owed it to himself to take "a unique opportunity" before the end of his career.

Though his asking price is likely to be higher than any overseas player to date, Warne, 27, said: "My decision will depend on several things - my form, my body and which county would suit me best.

"So many of my Aussie team-mates have done their time in county cricket. All the guys have good things to say about it, but I prefer to find out for myself."

The long delays for rain in the second Test produced more replays on BBC Television - and on the giant screen at Lord`s - of Warne`s so-called ball of the century, the swerving leg-break that bowled Mike Gatting at Old Trafford four years ago.

This incident, which guaranteed his fame in England, and his subsequent success, ensured that he would become a target for the county scene.

But Australia`s cricket authorities vetoed his proposed 1996 season at Northamptonshire, citing the danger of wear and tear. He subsequently had to undergo a finger operation.

So far on tour Warne, captain of Victoria, is believed to have spoken to four counties, certainly including Nottinghamshire.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)