Warne takes two in comeback game

Queensland Academy of Sport 4 for 217 (Simpson 118, Warne 2-32) trail Victoria second XI 5 for 379 dec by 162 runs
Scorecard

Shane Warne, making his long-awaited return to competitive cricket after a year-long ban for diuretic use, picked up the wicket of Aaron Nye - caught behind by Peter Roach - for Victoria's second XI against the Queensland Academy of Sport at the Junction Oval earlier today. He followed that up by trapping Steve Farrell lbw two overs later to complete a satisfying day's work.

Warne finished with 2 for 32 from a 16-over spell, but said that he had no expectations ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka later this month. While admitting that he would be pleased to find a spot in the Australian squad, Warne said, "As I said before this game, I've got no expectations, I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I'm not desperate or anything like that, I'm just enjoying being back playing. Whatever happens, happens."

Warne also reiterated that he would be talking to Ricky Ponting and the national selectors about the chances of coming out of retirement in the one-day game.

Warne had to wait until 4.39pm to have a bowl because of rain, but the few hundred people who had gathered to watch him - including Simone, his wife, his parents and brother - gave him a rousing cheer when he finally stepped up to the bowling crease in overcast conditions.

"The way the ball came out, I thought I got better and better," he said later. "I had some good loop and got some good spin, given the condition of the ball and pitch and things like that. It was quite wet, it wasn't easy to hang onto (the ball)."

Warne dismissed Farrell with a slider, and also bowled a few flippers and googlies during the course of his spell. Chris Simpson, who made 118, hit him for six over midwicket, but later said that Warne had bowled with greater variety after the first couple of overs.

Warne had figures of 0 for 23 - 23 being his lucky number - when Nye was dismissed. "I must admit, as I walked back I always try to find a 23 on the scoreboard somewhere, I did look up and see the 23. I thought something was going to happen, so as it turned out it was a wicket, which was nice."

Warne took a catch and made 11 yesterday. At stumps, QAS were 4 for 217 in reply to Victoria's 5 for 379 (dec).