Mark Hayes Herald Sun
EXCLUSIVE: SHANE Warne would consider answering an Ashes SOS from Australian captain Michael Clarke.
The legendary leg-spinner, preparing for the Big Bash League opener on Friday night, said he was bowling as well as at any time since retiring from Test cricket in 2007.
Warne, 43, said he had "absolutely no doubt'' he could bowl successfully at Test level again.
While he was "very happily'' retired from international cricket, in light of Australia's bowling battle in Perth this week, the Victorian said if the call came from his best mate Clarke, he'd have to rethink.
"If your best friend says, 'Mate, I want you to seriously consider making a commitment to Australian cricket and coming back out of retirement', (to) make myself available for selection, that's a different scenario,'' Warne said.
"Especially with back-to-back Ashes coming up next year, it could be a 12-month thing where you take three spinners with you and say, 'Righto, work with these spinners and see how you go for 12 months.' That's a different kettle of fish.
"I'm definitely not asking for Michael Clarke to come out and say that - that's a different scenario.
If your best friend says, 'Mate, I want you to seriously consider making a commitment to Australian cricket and coming back out of retirement' … that's a different scenario.
"You asked me if I think I could still play international cricket if I wanted to just turn up, do my bowling and if the first Test match was in three weeks, do you think I could play, (then) I'd have no hesitation in saying yes - and I think I'd do pretty well.
"From a purely bowling perspective, I don't think my form would be the concern, it's just the time and actually making that commitment again.
"My kids are turning 16, 14 and 12 next year and we're juggling two continents, (wife-to-be) Elizabeth's (Hurley) work and my work commitments.
Who will replace Punter?
"There's travel, sponsors, businesses, there are charities, so much stuff that I'd basically have to put it all on hold to make a commitment to international cricket.
"That's the reason I haven't for a while said I'm gonna make a comeback.
"For me it's not a matter of whether I could do it or not - I have absolutely no doubt if I wanted to commit to try to make a comeback and go through grade cricket, first-class cricket and try to get selected ... that I could do it."
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Warnie weaves his magic against England in the 2006 Boxing Day Test. Source: Herald Sun
Warne, who has taken 195 Ashes wickets in 36 Tests at a staggering 23.25, said he felt the urge during the third Test against South Africa in Perth watching the Australian bowling attack hammered around the WACA Ground.
"I felt like I wanted to jump off the couch and grab the ball,'' he said.
"I really felt for Michael Clarke from a captaincy point of view.
"When you've got international bowlers bowling one or two full-tosses an over and half-volleys, I felt for Pup, I really felt for him.''
Warne was delighted with his bowling at the MCG yesterday in the Stars' second practice match in as many days.
**"The ball's coming out pretty good and I'm looking forward to fizzing them on Friday,'' he said.\
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"I think I'm bowling as good as I have for a long time** - the best I have since I retired from international cricket in 2007.
"It's because I'm fresh. I don't bowl for 9-10 months of the year and bowl 5000 overs any more.
"My body's feeling fresh and strong and fit. My mind's fresh from it all and off the field is very happy, I'm content and looking forward to playing.''
