MELBOURNE, February 4: Australian leg spinner Shane Warne today pulled out of next week's short limited overs tour to New Zealand because of a sore shoulder.Warne will miss four one-day internationals against New Zealand over seven days in a move aimed at ensuring his fitness for a three-Test tour to India, starting later this month.
"Shane will see a shoulder specialist in the next couple of days. He will use the time to recuperate so he's fully fit for the India tour," Australian Cricket Board spokesman Patrick Keane said.
Warne, so often Australia's match-winning bowler in the past, performed well below his best in the drawn third Test against South Africa in Adelaide.
Australia will not select a replacement for Warne, leaving a 12-man squad to travel to New Zealand on Thursday, Keane said.
Immediately after clinching a 1-0 series win over South Africa on Tuesday, Australia captain Mark Taylor advised Warne to rest in light of his heavy workload over the domestic season.
Warne bowled 48 oversduring the third and final Test and finished with match figures of three for 147, a moderate return by his standards.
In the previous Test in Sydney, the Victoria captain captured his 300th Test wicket on his 63rd appearance in an 11-wicket match haul.
AFP ADDS: Warne said he expected he would only need a week's treatment on the right shoulder joint.
"I didn't want to feel like I was letting my team-mates down by going, because I've got to see my shoulder specialist," he said.
"It's pulled up a little bit sore after this game, so I want to make sure I've got enough time to see her and get it right for India. Hopefully it will be good news, hopefully nothing long-term, and I'm sure it will be right for India."
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
