Easy does it, Warney

[Donny]

Hohns reins in Warne

By Jon Pierik - Fox

SHANE WARNE has been told by chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns not to overdo his efforts to get back into the Test side.

Hohns is anxious Warne doesn't over-stretch himself and risk injury on his return to the game next week for a Victorian Second XI - his first since the VB Series final against England at the MCG last summer.

"He doesn't want to over-burden himself too soon," said Hohns.

"Not obviously having bowled for 12 months, he'll be using different muscles."

Warne will make his eagerly anticipated return from a 12-month suspension for taking a banned diuretic when he steps out for the last three days of a Victorian Second XI four-day match against a Queensland academy side from Tuesday.

Hohns will split his time between Victoria's rescheduled Pura Cup clash with South Australia at the MCG and what would have been an innocuous battle at the Junction Oval had cricket's human headline not been in attendance.

"It's going to be early days and very difficult to make any judgment or assessment," said Hohns. "The bigger test will be when he plays Pura Cup cricket.

"But it's important I go and have a look anyway."

Hohns said he would have a chat with Australia's leading wicket-taker during next week's game but he has already been told Warne was "chomping at the bit to get back to play cricket".

"Obviously the benefits are that he will be fresh and raring to go," he said.

While some, such as former England captain Mike Atherton, doubt whether Warne can relive his glories, Hohns suggested the blond tweaker would have lost little in his time off.

"The negative is that he hasn't bowled for 12 months," Hohns said. "But you just don't lose it in 12 months, I wouldn't have thought."

Warne is expected to be back into the Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka from March 8.

After the Second XI encounter, he will have a nationally televised ING Cup match against Tasmania at the MCG on Saturday week and the subsequent Pura Cup battle beginning two days later to find some form before the selectors pick the Test squad around February 21. Both Warne and fellow leggie Stuart MacGill are expected to tour Sri Lanka.