Why Warne missed out on Test captaincy

If Shane Warne did not know why he was never chosen as Test captain he does now. Cricket Australia's board outlined seven reasons in August 2000 to prevent him from holding a senior leadership role and they have been revealed in the official history of the organisation.

Not captaining Australia was one of Warne's few regrets in an unmatchable career and the crucial decision was made during the fallout from his texting controversy with an English nurse. Warne was cut as vice-captain, being replaced by Adam Gilchrist, and the board minutes record the reasons behind the move.

* Taught a lesson
* Leadership brings other responsibilities
* Given opportunities and shown that he can't
* Not this one issue (texting)
* History of incidents
* Catalogue of reckless conduct
* Responsibility to maintain public confidence

However, Gideon Haigh, who co-authored the book with David Frith, wrote there was a final line in the minutes that suggested: "Warne had not disqualified himself altogether." While he led Australia in 11 ODI matches, he was not used in Tests. He first missed out in 1999 when Steve Waugh became captain and Ricky Ponting was preferred in 2004.

Damien Mullins, a Queensland barrister, was one of the board members who had the strongest concerns. "You can have different views as to his personal behaviour or about its dimensions or its implications," Mullins said in Inside Story, Unlocking Australian Cricket's Archives. "But my view about his qualifications for assuming high office has been consistent all the way through. To put it in simple terms: I knew if he was put in a position of authority, sooner or later he would always let you down."

Warne, who is currently being considered for coaching and promotional roles by the board, did have support from the former chairman Bob Merriman. "I've always felt there should be a limit on any sentence," Merriman said. "That's why I supported him. I've had a lot of issues with Shane but I've always had a lot of good times with him. I enjoy talking to him; he's just beaut."