Warne move tests ACB

The Australian Cricket Board is expected to tell Shane Warne to resist the temptation to sign a contract with the Kent village side Lashings, as it would not be in the spirit of the game.

Warne was suspended for 12 months on 22 February after testing positive for a banned diuretic. He cannot be barred from playing for Lashings, the club backed by millionaire David Folb, because they are a private team. But it is a move which could land him in trouble, even if his earnings go to charity.

Lashings have confirmed that they are in talks to sign both Warne and the Zimbabwean fast bowler Henry Olonga, who left his homeland after his black armband protest against Robert Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe during the World Cup.