Maybe Ranatunga ‘swallowed a sheep’, says Warne

Melbourne: Shane Warne is looking to spice up his long-awaited return to Test cricket by sledging over his one-year drug ban. Warne was recalled to his country’s squad Friday for next month’s Test series in Sri Lanka.

The 34-year-old played the last of his 107 Tests against England in Perth in December 2002 before failing a dope test that earned him the suspension.

“I hope so, I’d be disappointed if there wasn’t,” Warne said of the prospect of an outbreak of sledging to greet his return to big-time cricket. That’s part of the game I really enjoy, I’m sure there might be the odd word here or there which will make me enjoy it more, make me feel a part of it again and I’m sure I’ll give as good as I get.”

Warne wasted no time firing off a verbal barb at former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who this week said his old side was not as fearful of Australia’s all-time leading wicket-taker (491). “Arjuna, he’s probably slotting himself around at 150kg at the moment, is he?” Warne said. “Swallowed a sheep or something like that. Arjuna, well look, he’s a wonderful competitor... It’s always been fun and games against him.” (AFP)