Shane Warne returns as specialist spin coach for Australia for T20 World Cup

Shane Warne will coach Australia’s spinners for T20 World Cup in March this year

Retired legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne will rejoin the Australian squad, this time in a coaching capacity, as the Aussies start their preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this year.

Keeping in view the conditions in Bangladesh which’ll suit the spinners, Warne has been approached by Cricket Australia (CA) to give specialised training to the bowlers in the build up to the tournament in March.

Coach Darren Lehmann said this recruitment was reflective of CA’s aim to provide specialist coaching to the players throughout this year.

“We believe our national teams can really benefit from more specific skill-based coaching as and when it is needed. This will mean that from time to time we will enlist the support of experts in their craft to work with our players and share their experiences,” he said.

“In the case of the ICC World Twenty 20, we believe spin bowling will be critical to success. There’s no better person than Shane to help guide the spinners we select in that squad.

“He was a gifted cricketer and remains passionate about spin bowling and seeing our players be the best that they can be. We’re thrilled to have him on board,” Lehmann added.

Warne himself is thrilled with the opportunity to work with Australia’s bowlers and help them perfect the fine skills of spin bowling.

“I’m excited to be working with Australia’s spinners in South Africa. I’m looking forward to helping them with some intense bowling preparation ahead of the World Twenty 20, where we’ll specifically work on tactics and mindset,” Warne said.

Australia play 3 T20 matches in South Africa on 9th, 12th and 14th March ahead of the T20 World Cup which begins on 16th March. Australia will play their opening fixture against Pakistan on 23rd March.