Cricket: Warne back in good books

By RICHARD BOOCK

SYDNEY - Shane Warne moved a step closer to full reconciliation with the Australia Cricket Board yesterday when he was named vice-captain for tonight's tri-series match against New Zealand.

Warne replaces the unavailable Adam Gilchrist in the role, signalling a return from the wilderness after being stripped of the job two years ago - for leaving lewd messages on the answerphone of a British nurse.

The champion leg-spinner said he was pleased to be returning as vice-captain even if it was only to fill in.

"It is always an honour to be in a leadership role for Australia, especially when there are so many other candidates within the side.

"When I was relieved of the vice-captaincy back in 2000, the ACB told me the door was not closed so it was great to be told the news.

Australia's leading wicket-taker in tests and ODIs was nominated for the position by the national selection panel of Trevor Hohns, Allan Border, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch.

The move is seen to be as symbolic as it is practical, paving the way for Warne's leadership abilities to be further assessed as Australia ponder life after Steve Waugh.

Warne has not publicly renounced the actions that lost him the vice-captaincy and complained in his recent book that everyone should be allowed a private life.

He also questioned the integrity of board members, asking how they might fare if their private lives were subjected to the same scrutiny.

In Warne's previous spell as vice-captain he helped guide Australia to victory in the 1998-99 tri-series against England and Sri Lanka, filling in for much of the time as captain after Waugh suffered a hamstring injury.

Gilchrist will resume the role when he rejoins the squad in Brisbane tomorrow.

Warne said: "As for the future, there is no point in looking too far ahead. As far as I'm concerned, Stephen Waugh and Adam Gilchrist are doing a great job as captain and vice-captain and I'm just filling in for this match, but it's nice to know I'm still in the thoughts of the board and the selectors down the track."

Gilchrist, who returned home to be with his wife and newborn son, has been replaced in the side by West Australian wicket-keeper batsman Ryan Campbell.