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Cape Town - Legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne says he would consider returning to Test cricket for the Ashes series in England next year if skipper Michael Clarke sends him an SOS.
The 43-year-old Warne, currently preparing for the Big Bash League opener on Friday night, believes he is bowling as well as at any time since retiring from Test cricket in 2007.
He told the Herald Sun website, he has "absolutely no doubt'' he could bowl successfully at Test level again.
While admitting he is "very happily'' retired from international cricket, the Victorian said if the call came from his best mate Clarke, he'd have to rethink.
Warne said it would be a huge sacrifice out of his current lifestyle, but has no doubts that he'll still have what it takes.
"You asked me if I think I could still play international cricket if I wanted to just turn up, do my bowling and if the first Test match was in three weeks, do you think I could play, (then) I'd have no hesitation in saying yes - and I think I'd do pretty well.
"From a purely bowling perspective, I don't think my form would be the concern, it's just the time and actually making that commitment again.
"My kids are turning 16, 14 and 12 next year and we're juggling two continents, (wife-to-be) Elizabeth's (Hurley) work and my work commitments.
Warne played 145 Tests for Australia, taking 708 wickets at an average of 25.41.
The 43-year-old Warne, currently preparing for the Big Bash League opener on Friday night, believes he is bowling as well as at any time since retiring from Test cricket in 2007.
He told the Herald Sun website, he has "absolutely no doubt'' he could bowl successfully at Test level again.
While admitting he is "very happily'' retired from international cricket, the Victorian said if the call came from his best mate Clarke, he'd have to rethink.
Warne said it would be a huge sacrifice out of his current lifestyle, but has no doubts that he'll still have what it takes.
"You asked me if I think I could still play international cricket if I wanted to just turn up, do my bowling and if the first Test match was in three weeks, do you think I could play, (then) I'd have no hesitation in saying yes - and I think I'd do pretty well.
"From a purely bowling perspective, I don't think my form would be the concern, it's just the time and actually making that commitment again.
"My kids are turning 16, 14 and 12 next year and we're juggling two continents, (wife-to-be) Elizabeth's (Hurley) work and my work commitments.
Warne played 145 Tests for Australia, taking 708 wickets at an average of 25.41.
