National teams do not need coaches: Warne

Shane Warne was anything but ambiguous when he declared with typical finality that national teams do not need coaches, but teams at the first-class and domestic levels need them.

While virtually dashing any speculation about taking up a coaching assignment with a national team, Warne was responding to a query about his dual role as coach and captain of the Rajasthan Royals.

"I am basically a captain who is helping out the team by putting my first-class experience to good use. But otherwise, coach-cum-captain is just a title. I am lucky to have guys like Jeremy Snape and Darren Barry who work things out in the backroom," said Warne who is here for the game against Chennai Super Kings Saturday.

When pressed further, he declared: "It is my belief that an international team does not need a coach. At that level, the players are experienced enough. As for the form, I feel it is basically about attitude, approach and thinking, and not about technique. However, you do need coaches at the lower levels of the game where youngsters need to be trained."

Warne's performance with the ball had raised speculation about a possible comeback to international cricket, but then, he would have none of it.

"Let me say this again. I am happily retired and am enjoying spending time with my kids. If Stuart MacGill is injured, there are no other spinner left in Australia and Ricky Ponting asks me to get back into the team, I will only consider, I repeat consider. But even otherwise, I think, it is a far-fetched idea," he said.

Replying to a question -- After Anil Kumble, who? -- Warne picked Piyush Chawla, Amit Mishra and Dinesh Salunkhe as possible replacements.

"Anil Kumble is one of the greatest ever leg-spinners. But India is lucky to have Chawla, Amit Mishra and Salunkhe to pick from after Anil," he said.ap/vs/dg

(347 Words)23052002NNNN (IANS)

New swine flu case takes India\'s tally to 129

Mango festival starts in Haryana

Revocation of AFSPA should be left to Centre: Ansari

President urges civil servants to have a development-centric approach

Serena turns tables on Venus for third Wimbledon title

Nine dead as speeding bus falls on Howrah rail tracks (Second Lead)

Stalin demands gas grid in southern India