Warne wants spin trio for Ashes

Published October 28, 2006

SYDNEY, Oct 27: Shane Warne thinks Australia can capitalise on England's weakness against quality spin bowling by playing a three-pronged spin attack in the Ashes.

Warne has urged Australia's selectors to consider the unorthodox move by promoting promising young spinner Dan Cullen into the starting side alongside himself and Stuart MacGill.

“Myself and Stuart MacGill are the number one and number two when we play two spinners,” Warne told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

“But there might be times through the series, whether it be in Perth, Adelaide or Sydney, where we might have a raging turner, where we might want to play three spinners.”

Warne was easily Australia's most effective bowler in the last Ashes series in England in 2005, capturing 40 wickets, but his impressive performances were still not enough to stop England winning the series 2-1.

MacGill did not play in the series but has an impressive record against England and is likely to push for selection in the final Test in Sydney, Australia's most spin-friendly pitch.

Cullen made his Test debut against Bangladesh in April, taking one for 54 in the match, and Warne is predicting the best is yet to come from the 22-year-old off-spinner.

“Dan has to be ready when his chance comes and force his way in through performance,” said Warne. “He might knock out me or Stuey. He is really good, I really like Dan Cullen.”—Reuters

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