21st December, 2006 | Back to Shane Warne Index

 

Shane Warne has pin-pointed former Australian skipper Ian Chappell as the key influence in his extraordinary career. Cricket Australia

 

Announcing his retirement on Thursday, Warne took the time-out to praise Chappell and another former Aussie skipper in Richie Benaud for offering advice at key points over the past 14 years.

While refusing to confirm he would be part of the Channel Nine commentary team from next season, Warne said the presence of two his greatest allies in Chappell and Benaud certainly makes a move behind the microphone appealing.

 

"Ian Chappell has probably been the biggest influence on my cricket career, so if I can spend as much time as I can with him, even if it's up in the commentary box, than that's fine," he said.

 

"I wish I had have played under Ian Chappell. We shared a house together in Augusta, when we were covering the golf in 1996. We talked about stuff. I first met him back at the Academy in 1989 or 1990 and we sat down and had breakfast. Terry Jenner had organised it."

 

"We talked about lots and lots of different things, but he said the most important thing was to know yourself. I never really got that when I was 20, but over time I started to understand that."

 

Warne has called in Chappell for advice throughout his career, but especially at the points where he needed the most guidance.

"Over that time, whether it's speaking to him over the phone, whether it's speaking to him over a beer, where he's most comfortable. I could listen to his stories and listen to him talk forever. I think he's such a wonderful person, he was obviously a wonderful captain. I think out of all the people I've spoken to about cricket, he makes the most sense."

 

Warne admitted to being somewhat in awe of Benaud, and absolute icon of Australia cricket, who the legspinner was constantly compared to over his career.

 

"Spending time with Richie. He's the man isn't he? He knows everything about everything. And he's great to talk to. He's good company, he's fun. He's a leg-spinner as well. I love his sense of humour,' Warne said.

 

"I've got a good connection with him and he's helped me out through some tough times too. Just the odd phone call here or there the odd chat, he's been wonderful."

 

Warne also singled out Allan Border, his first Test captain, and Terry Jenner, literally his spin doctor, for special praise. He described Border as the man who taught him the passion for the baggy green, while Jenner was the man behind the Warne magic.

"I've been very lucky. There have been so many people who have been willing to help me," Warne said.

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