Cricket: Shane Warne blasts former Australian skipper Steve Waugh as selfish in explosive new book

Shane Warne has opened up on his former Australia captain Steve Waugh in his new book 'No Spin'. Photo / Getty Images.

Shane Warne has accused former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh of taking a selfish approach to the game.

In his recently released book 'No Spin' Warne pointed to the 1999 tour of the West Indies where, with the Australian side down 2-1 in the series, Waugh disregarded the advice of coach Geoff Marsh and Australian great Allan Border and dropped an out of form Warne.

The leg-spinner, who was vice-captain of the side at the time, admitted his was out of form at the time, but detailed in the book the rift Waugh's decision created between to two.

"When the crunch came (Waugh) didn't support me, and I felt so totally let down by someone who I had supported big time and was also a good friend," Warne writes.

"I lost a bit of respect for him after that. I believe he should have backed me — as I always believe the art of captaincy is to support your players and back them every time.

"This gains the respect from the players and makes them play for you. He didn't, it's history, but I never found it easy with him after that."

He goes on to detail a similar situation in which Waugh was coming back from injury. At the time, the captain, vice-captain and coach selected the team. Waugh thought he should play despite being injured in a collision with teammate Jason Gillespie.

Warne writes that despite he and Marsh suggesting Waugh take it easy and rest, the captain wouldn't hear it.

"Steve Waugh was the most selfish player I ever played with and was only worried about averaging 50. It was about a lack of loyalty. Pretty childish, I know, but that's the way it was."