Blues In Luck As Vics Rest Warne

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday January 13, 2006

Trevor Marshallsea

NSW's hopes of taking a more decisive lead at the top of the Pura Cup table in Lismore next week have been boosted by news the most successful bowler in history will not be there to torment them.

Lismore's loss is NSW's gain with Shane Warne being rested from the top-of-the-table match that starts on Monday. Warne will also miss the two teams' ING Cup fixture - also first versus second - in Coffs Harbour tomorrow.

After consultation between Australian and Victorian team managements, Warne has been rested owing to a series of wear-and-tear injuries. Australian selectors are eager to ensure he is fresh for the Test series in South Africa in March.

Bushrangers coach Greg Shipperd said Warne was troubled by finger, back and shoulder injuries. Warne was rested from Victoria's previous Pura Cup match against the Blues after his lower-back strain flared during the Test series against the West Indies.

Shipperd and chief selector John MacWhirter maintained Victoria was not peeved by losing Warne to such workload-related injuries despite early expectations his retirement from one-day internationals in 2003 would increase his availability for his state.

"We'd love him to play every match for us but we understand the situation," MacWhirter said. "It's sensible for him to have a break. We realise we are secondary to Australia's requirements."

Shipperd said Victoria could not begrudge Warne having added to his workload by playing for Hampshire.

"We had 10 players play in England last year," he said. "We fully understand that Shane has done a lot of work lately and needs a rest."

NSW and Victoria will also contest the inaugural Twenty20 final at North Sydney Oval on January 21. While Warne was missing from the squad named for all three matches between the two rivals over the next eight days, Victoria will be bolstered by Brad Hodge's return from Tests.

After winning their first three Pura Cup matches this season, NSW lost momentum before the Christmas break, taking just two points from two draws. They remain on top of the table, but with only four points between them and Victoria, NSW will lose the lead if the Bushrangers take outright points in Lismore.

Victoria won their first two matches but have had to settle for four points from two defeats and a draw since then.

The Blues have won five of seven ING Cup matches to lead that competition with 25 points and three games to play, and are almost certain to host the final. Victoria are in second place on 14 points with four games to play.

Victorian squad - Page 31

© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald

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