Cricket: Warne's warning to rivals

LEG-SPINNER Shane Warne and pace bowler Jason Gillespie produced strong performances as the Australian world champions tuned up yesterday on the eve of their tour of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Both impressed as the World Cup winners edged past a virtual Australia A line-up at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Warne took 2 for 35 off nine overs in his first spell since Australia's one-day triumph.

Gillespie, who had not bowled in match conditions since hurting his back in the West Indies in March, played on the losing side and finished with one for 26 off 10 overs to prove he is on the way back.

Test opener Michael Slater scored 104 off 152 balls for Australia A to guide them to 213 for seven off their allotted 50 overs. Michael Bevan hit an unbeaten 52 off 83 balls in reply as Australia reached 214 for 6 with three balls to spare.

Australia play Sri Lanka and India in a triangular one-day tournament, starting next weekend. Three Tests follow against Sri Lanka in September and early October.