Nothing extra to prove: Warne
Legspinner Shane Warne says he has nothing extra to prove this summer despite being stripped of the Australian vice-captaincy for off-field indiscretions.
Warne had light training with Victorian teammates in Melbourne on Wednesday testing out the knee on which he had minor surgery two weeks ago, and declared himself excited about the coming summer season.
Warne had to defend himself after admitting to engaging in dirty phone talk with a British nurse during his off-season stint with English county Hampshire.
The controversy was the last straw for the Australian Cricket Board after a series of incidents tarnished his reputation and he was demoted from the vice-captaincy. Adam Gilchrist is the new deputy to captain Steve Waugh.
"I've got nothing to prove at all, I've played for ten years and have done pretty well on the park and I don't have to prove anything to anybody," Warne said Wednesday.
"My approach to this summer will be the same as any other summer. It's always exciting no matter what you've done the previous months and I'm looking forward to it, excited by it and can't wait for it to come really."
Warne was named in a 14-man squad for Sunday's one-day game against New South Wales in Sydney, but will wait to see if there is any stiffness or swelling in the knee Thursday before committing to playing.
He bowled about 20 deliveries in the nets Wednesday, did some batting and throwing and said his knee felt fine.
"That will do it tonight then a bit more tomorrow and then gradually build up to the game on Sunday," Warne said.
"I wouldn't be letting anybody down so if it's not right I won't play but if it is right then hopefully I'll be all right."
Warne had his knee scraped after suffering discomfort in the joint for the past 12 months.
He was uncertain about the chances of returning to English county cricket, with concern the off-season work could be too much after shoulder, finger and now knee problems.
"County cricket is something I always wanted to try out and I have this year and whether I'm going to do it in the coming season I'm not sure.
"It's very demanding, there is not much time off, you're playing cricket just about every day and when you're not you're travelling.
"It's quite tough but it's very enjoyable and given the opportunity depending on schedules down the track it's something I might do in the future."
Mail Cricket Editor
