Warne still has centre stage

Shane Warne the commentator is proving just as captivating as Shane Warne the legspinner, writes AAP's John Coomber.

It's the first Ashes battle in 18 years without Warne as a player, but much that we've lost in on-field spectacle is being made up for in commentary. His delivery from behind the microphone is proving to be almost as compelling as with the six-stitcher.

And just like his bowling, he does it with apparent ease. His fellow commentators marvel at how Warne can be lounging in the back of the box eating pizza and playing computer card games, then when it's his turn to go on air he strolls over, picks up the microphone and immediately knows exactly what's been going on, and what's likely to happen next. No wonder he's such a good poker player.