Warne out?

Cricinfo is reporting that former Test stars are ‘shocked’ by Channel Nine’s foretelling of Shane Warne’s retirement. They believe that he could go on for yonks – and in that they’re probably right. But that’s not the point. Desire in this case, I suspect, is more significant than ability. He’s not the messiah, of course – just a very naughty boy. Yet on the half-dozen or so occasions I’ve interviewed him, Warne has spoken about his family with unfeigned sincerity. At the risk of emulating E. W. Swanton’s habit of quoting himself, these are some lines I wrote about Warne for the Guardian back in October:

‘The imponderable in Warne’s considerations is his personal future, now delicately poised, with he and Simone maintaining a loose orbit round one another and their children, but passionately protective of their privacy. Warne was incensed when a female television journalist accosted him after his dismissal at the WACA Ground to voice rumours they had reconciled: a brave move without a helmet. A more ‘up close and personal’ cricket coverage has been mooted for this summer’s Ashes, with the revival of the old boundary-edge interview. Warne may be tempted to issue press releases instead.

‘What keeps Warne going? This summer, it’s probable he will pass 1000 international wickets: he has 978, composed of 685 from 140 Tests and 293 from 194 limited-overs games. But his great rival for bowling’s blue riband, Muttiah Muralitharan, already has 1082, and with his edge in years will probably leave Warne’s records in his wake in due course. The Australian captaincy, too, is now, almost certainly, permanently out of reach.

‘The Ashes, then, looms disproportionately large in Warne’s plans – for, after that, even he probably does not know. Cricket has been a faithful recourse for Warne; when all else has gone pear-shaped, the game has always been there for him. But Warne, who grew up in the bosom of a loving home and family, might well be prepared to make sacrifices for one of his own. Perhaps, in due course, Warne will have a shock for us that is genuine and meaningful.’

I’ve written a lot about Warne this summer, mainly because I’ve had the sense that I should enjoy him while I can. Have just sent off a column to the Guardian about Warne, and also McGrath. More when the announcement is made official.