My News
08.11.11
I'm excited to be back
Courtesy of www.melbournestars.com.au
The Melbourne Stars put the icing on the cake of an already star-studded line up securing the services of spin king Shane Warne for the inaugural season of the Big Bash League earlier this week.
President Eddie McGuire said he nearly fell off his chair when he received Warne’s phone call notifying him of his desire to play all matches with the Melbourne Stars.
Alongside Stars Coach Greg Shipperd and Captain Cameron White, McGuire proudly announced the 42-year-old would return to Australian cricket for the first time since Australia’s 5-0 whitewash of England in 2006/07 Ashes series.
A vibrant Warne told us he is itching to play cricket on Australian soil once again following his stint with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL over the past four years.
“I’m in such good shape and excited about playing cricket again, and of course being involved in a good team,” Warne said.
“It’s something that really excites me.”
The Australian cricket legend is hoping to silence critics who have suggested his best cricket is behind him and wants to give back to the game which has been so good to him.
“If I wasn’t confident in my own form, I wouldn’t have taken it up,” he said.
“I’m fitter than I’ve ever been.
“I can play any role in the team; whatever Whitey and Shippy want me to have, I’m happy to do.
“I thought this was a great opportunity where I can actually give something back to the game of cricket.”
Warne was offered contracts from rival teams but his heart always rested with the Melbourne Stars mainly because of the team make-up and their alignment to the MCG.
“The MCG has been my backyard for 20 year, there’s always been something special about this place, I love playing here,” he said.
“I think what attracted me most was the team that Whitey and Shippy put together. It’s got nothing to do with money. It’s something I’m genuinely passionate about.”
Warne’s former Australian teammates, Matthew Hayden (Brisbane Heat) and Brad Hogg (Perth Scorchers) have also come out of retirement to play in the Big Bash League ensuring an epic battle looms between the veterans of the game.
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