MELBOURNE, Aug 22: Australia’s leading wicket-taker Shane Warne said on Friday he would train privately for the remainder of his doping ban, ending debate over his eligibility to be involved with the national squad.

Warne, the second highest wicket-taker in tests with 491 victims, was banned for 12 months after testing positive for diuretics in February, missing Australia’s World Cup campaign.

“I have come to the decision that I’m going to remove myself from all official training,” Warne told a news conference at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

“I have made this decision as I do not want to place any team mates or anyone else in an awkward position,” he added, reading from a prepared statement.

“I will continue to work on my fitness and my cricket skills by myself and with some friends.

“I know that I’ve got a lot to offer cricket — at what level that is, is out of my control. All I can do is present myself in the best possible way and hope the powers that be will enjoy my return.”

Earlier this week, Australia’s Federal Government threatened to withdraw development funding to Cricket Australia (CA) if it allowed the leg spinner to train with the national squad during his ban.

CA, the sport’s national ruling body, had said the 33-year-old should not be allowed to play any cricket.

But last month it released a joint statement with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), the players’ representative body, announcing that an independent arbitrator had cleared Warne to play in charity matches and train with the national team.

Warne attended winter squad training with Victoria earlier this week, with the full support of state coach David Hookes.

“I’d like to address the ASC’s stance in regards to attempting to stop me training at all levels,” Warne said.

“The arguments about what I can and can’t do in relation to cricket have been going on for far too long.

“I think it’s ridiculous that six months after the event (his drug ban) to now say I can’t train.

“(There) just seem to be too many agendas with too many people.”—Reuters