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BSP-19
CRICKET-MCC-AUS-WARNE
Colourful Warne joins MCC World Cricket committee
LONDON, Oct 25, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Australian spin great Shane Warne said he
had “plenty to offer” as he was appointed to the MCC’s influential World
Cricket committee, which suggests changes to the game’s laws.
The 49-year-old replaces fellow Australian Rod Marsh, who stepped down
after serving on the committee since 2012.
“It is an honour to have been asked to be a member of the MCC World
Cricket committee,” Warne said in a statement.
“It is an extremely exciting time for cricket and I hope that I will have
plenty to offer in discussion and debate. I look forward to contributing to
the work of the committee.”
Warne has gained a reputation for his robust views. This week, he said
Australia’s Test team needed a “kick up the backside” after their series
defeat to Pakistan.
As a player, he was the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets and his
final tally of 708, in 145 Tests from 1992 to 2007, is second on the all-time
list.
Committee chairman Mike Gatting, flummoxed by Warne’s famous ‘ball of the
century’ during the 1993 Ashes series, said he was delighted to have the
Australian on board.
“Obviously his profile in the world game is as big as they come and with
his extensive experience, I am sure he will offer great insights into many
different facets of the game,” Gatting said.
Recommendations of the committee, which meets twice a year, have resulted
in innovations including day/night Test cricket and limiting the size of
bats.
At its last meeting in August, the committee raised the idea of using a
“shot clock” to speed up play.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1028 hrs