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Pietersen 'texted' Warne to take up coaching job

Source: Agencies | January 10, 2009, Saturday | Print Edition

SHANE Warne has laughed off speculation that he could be England's next coach but admitted he had received a tongue-in-cheek approach from former captain Kevin Pietersen.

The retired Australian leg-spinner said the approach came recently by text message from Pietersen, who resigned on Wednesday over differences with coach Peter Moores. Moores was fired on the same day.

"Yes, KP dipped his toe in the water jokingly," Warne, who befriended Pietersen during his time in England with county side Hampshire, said in London's Times.

In all likelihood Pietersen's resignation will remove any chance of Warne taking on the job, particularly with July/August's Ashes series.

Warne, the leading wicket-taker in test cricket when he retired nearly two years ago, has commitments as captain-coach with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and an ambassadorial role with spin bowlers for Cricket Australia.

He was also a commentator for Nine Network's cricket coverage in Australia.

"At this stage, I have a full book. I have enjoyed coaching and managing the Rajasthan Royals, but that is for a couple of months a year," the 39-year-old Warne said. "I could not give a full-time position the time required to do the job. In any case, following a team around the world is what I have given up.

"If that is what I wanted, I would still be a player, but -- and we all have this 'but' in life -- if an offer comes that sounds too good to be true, I would have to stop and think."

Warne is backing another Australian Darren Lehmann for Moores' job.

"As a player, he did wonders for Yorkshire and had the respect of everyone," Warne said. "Now he has moved into coaching. He would be great at installing confidence right across the board, through the players, the England and Wales Cricket Board, sponsors, supporters ... everybody."

While Warne has been the subject of persistent rumors about a comeback, despite not having played since 2006-07, he would fear facing Pietersen in the summer series.

"I think that teams are in for a Pietersen backlash," he said. "Anybody who thinks he will lose interest and sulk does not know the guy. He will be more determined than ever to prove himself the number one batsman in the world."
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