FORTY-two-year-old Shane Warne has said that he will end his retirement from cricket to play in Australia’s Big Bash League. The leg-spinner, who retired from Test cricket in 2007 with a then-record 708 wickets, had continued to play Twenty20 cricket until earlier this year, when he gave up the game fully after four years captaining and coaching the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
But after persistent rumours that he could be tempted to play in the Australian shorter format competition, Warne has said he will ‘definitely’ make himself available, though he has yet to decide which team he will represent.
Warne, who played all of his domestic cricket in Australia for Victoria, is set to choose between the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades.
“It’s great that there are two teams here,” Warne told The Footy Show on Channel Nine in Australia.
“I’m not leaning one way or the other. I’m definitely going to play a few games and have some fun. I think it will be nice to help the young players out and have a bit of fun with the Twenty20.”
Another Australian legend, left-handed opener Matthew Hayden, has already confirmed he will come out of retirement to sign for Brisbane Heat.
The tournament begins in December. (Eurosport)