Warne hints at starting England academy

Shane Warne has spoken of his desire to help England and hinted at the possibility of starting a Shane Warne Cricket Academy for British children. "I don't know how it may work or how feasible it would be," Warne wrote in his column at The Times. "Whatever I do, I want to do it properly."

Warne reacted favourably to comments made by Duncan Fletcher last week, when the England coach didn't rule out using Warne in an advisory capacity. "That was very kind of him," Warne said, "especially after he said a few weeks ago that his batsmen were on top of my bowling. Perhaps he's changed his mind after Adelaide and Melbourne.

"The fact is that I haven't heard anything from the ECB, so I can't say yes or no. I have an affection for England and a house in Southampton," he said. "And I've helped out England bowlers in the past. I am a big believer in players learning from each other. That is what happens - or should happen - at the end of every match or series."

Warne admitted the lure of the commentary box was "very attractive" but he would love to stay in the game, preferably helping the Aussies remain at the top of the world game. "Beyond that, I also want to make sure that cricket stays healthy worldwide," he said. "So I would not have a problem helping in England, New Zealand, South Africa or anywhere else. We live on a small planet these days."

Warne also fuelled England's wicketkeeping debate. He said although Chris Read was unfortunate to be batting in such a fragile lineup, he might still be dropped, possibly for Warne's Hampshire colleague Nic Pothas.