Warne return thwarted by rain delay

Shane Warne's comeback after a 12-month drugs ban ended in anti-climax yesterday when rain stopped play before he had the chance to bowl.

Warne did get to bat, playing for the Victoria Second XI against the Queensland Academy of Sport, making 11 runs in a brief stay at the crease. He also took a sharp catch in the fieldbut the weather prevented him from bowling.

Under an agreement between the two teams, he came into the match as a substitute for Jason Arnberger and was then promoted up the batting order to come in at the first fall of a wicket after Victoria had resumed on 290 for 3. Warne missed the first day of the four-day match because his suspension did not end until yesterday.

About 1,000 people turned up at the modest surroundings of the Junction Oval in suburban Melbourne in the hope of seeing Australia's greatest wicket-taker roll his arm over. But they left disappointed when the heavens opened shortly after lunch and eventually forced play to be abandoned.