Cricket: Cheers for champion

All smiles before the big match - Jeff Wilson and Shane Warne in Christchurch. Picture / Simon Baker

Shane Warne received an unexpected welcome when he arrived in Christchurch for today's opening one-dayer between the FICA World XI and New Zealand.

Normally used to a cool reception, the controversial bowler was applauded by the crowd at the airport.

"I almost fainted when that happened. Hopefully, I might get more claps than boos this time; they can save the boos for when we come back in March [for the test series]."

Purveyors of the fine arts will not want to miss the chance to watch Warne in action during the World XI's three-match series against the Black Caps as the champion spinner put to rest any suggestion of resurrecting his one-day international career, categorically stating that he couldn't be any more retired from the ODI scene if he tried.

The comments not only killed off the last vestiges of speculation over his comeback, it also put a premium on his appearances in New Zealand, which are likely to be among his last ODIs in international colours.

The record-shattering leg-spinner said he was looking forward to playing at test level for another two or three years, but had no plans to return to the ODI scene.

"I don't know if I can be any more retired than I am at the moment," he said.

"I've handed my number down [to test team-mate Michael Clark] so I don't think I can do any more than that.

"But like in anything you do, you never say never. At this stage I'm retired; I'm 35 going on 36, so I don't think I'll be playing any more one-day cricket."

Warne will captain a glittering array of ODI stars, with most interest surrounding the probability of his bowling in tandem with fellow spin-bowling great Muttiah Muralitharan, who has returned with three Sri Lankan team-mates for the series.

Muralitharan is the most successful bowler still active on the ODI scene, and is second only to Warne in terms of test dismissals.

The prospect of the pair bowling 20 of the 50 available overs will be causing headaches in the New Zealand camp, and is certain to ensure that the home side receive the tough workout they have been hoping for.

"I'll get the good end because I'm the captain, so he'll have to bowl with the wind," Warne joked. "Seriously though, Murali's done wonderful things for Sri Lanka. It's great that he's available and I'm looking forward to bowling with him.

"I've always been on the opposite end trying to slog him and having no luck whatsoever, so it'll be good to have a change from that."

Warne said the tsunami disaster had made many people pause and think about the truly meaningful things in life, and had reinforced the need to not take things for granted.

One of the world's most controversial cricketers, he said he had no regrets about his career, saying instead that the Boxing Day tsunami had made him realise just how lucky he was.

"Sometimes things happen in your life that make you stop and weigh things up, and maybe think about what you have got. I mean, I'm an Australian, we're very lucky to live in a wonderful country, I'm married with three beautiful children and I'm very lucky to have that, and cricket's been great to me.

"It's true, I've been through just about everything, but I've got no regrets. This sort of thing just makes you realise how lucky you are."