`I've got my reportoire back and I'm hungry' -- Shane Warne

MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 20: Be warned. The Sheikh of Tweak is here and this time round he means serious business than ever. If it was the spinning charm of this dazzler that once looked invincible before being undone by Sachin Tendulkar the last time round, on this occasion it is his fierceness of proving a point or two that makes the blonde all the more enigmatic.

Shane Keith Warne, one the most successful leg spinners in the world in contemporary cricket loves to thrive on challenges and the 32-year-old who has gobbled up a whopping 366 wickets from 84 Tests says he's hungry for more and can hardly wait to get into the action.

In a freewheeling talk to the media he talks about his romance on and off the field and about the challenge Aussies are looking up to.

Excerpts:

Experiences in India:
``I've had great experiences in India and I have done well and not so well at times but it's all part of cricket. But I believe that the toughest challenge in world cricket today is to beat India in India. The last time we toured India I learnt a lot but that's a secret and I would try to make the most of it in the coming series.''

On controversies that surround him:
``I'm still smiling and keeping the leggies going. I am enjoying whatever has been happenning. It was disappointing to lose the vice-captaincy though. I like to enjoy my cricket, go out and play.''

On Sachin Tendulkar:
``He's had a wonderful series last time and I agree that he's the best batsman in the world but it was Navjot Sidhu who set the tone the last time. Just as Sidhu, this time there is no Azhar and no Kumble and that's going to make a the diference I think.''

On his failure in the last series in India:
``Then I wasn't at my best. I had a shoulder surgery, had four screws implanted in the shoulder but that's no excuse. This time I'm bowling very very well and my form leading up to the tour is very very good. I've got my bowling reportoire back and I'm very hungry. I hope to get the cobwebs out and looking forward to the first Test match.''

Bowling Armoury:
``I've added a few variations to my flipper. I tried these during my county stint with Hampshire and also got good results using the same during the Carlton and United Series in Australia. I hope to click with the same during this series as well.''

On the Warne vs Tendulkar battle:
``I've always said that the battle is Australia vs India and not between me and Tendulkar. It's the media that builds the hype. Even Tendulkar has said the same and this time round it is how it should be: Australia vs India.''

On the Aussie attitude:
``We love to keep raising the bar, raising the standards. We are right now on a roll and hope to keep it that way.''

Playing experience in India:
``I've got a good rapport in India. I enjoy playing here. I like the people, the hospitality and I've a got a few good friends in India as well.''

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.