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Warne back in Australian Test side

Warne has showed good form since his return from a one-year drugs ban this month.
Warne has showed good form since his return from a one-year drugs ban this month.

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SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Leg spinner Shane Warne has completed his rapid return to top-level cricket with his selection in the Australian Test side to tour Sri Lanka next month.

The Australian spin star was named Friday in the 15-man squad, which will play three Tests.

Warne, who has an Australian record 491 Test wickets from 107 matches, was suspended for one year just before the 2003 one day World Cup.

That came after Warne's urine sample from a random drug test showed traces of the diuretics hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride, which are banned in sport.

He claimed he took the diuretics -- a fluid loss tablet -- at the urging of his mother because he wanted to look good in front of the television cameras.

"I'm pretty proud of my achievements to get back," the 34-year-old told a news conference in Melbourne.

"I missed the game, it's something I really missed a lot."

Spin clash

Warne and Sri Lankan spin bowler Murali Muralitharan are both closing on the world record of 519 wickets set by West Indies bowler Courtney Walsh, and their clash next month is eagerly awaited by cricket fans.

Muralitharan, who has 485 wickets from 85 matches, bowls with a controversial action that has seen him called for a "no-ball" by umpires in the past.

Muralitharan, 31, said he was looking forward to the challenge of Warne visiting Sri Lanka.

Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said Warne would play a vital role on Sri Lankan's flat, turning wickets.

"Despite his absence, Shane is still one of the best spin bowlers in the world," said Hohns in a statement.

"He's clearly worked extremely hard on his fitness over the last few months. We've been impressed with the way he has bowled for Victoria since his return."

Warne, who took two wickets on his return for Victoria's second XI two weeks ago, said he was grateful for the support he had received from family, friends and cricket enthusiasts over the past 12 months of suspension.

The Australian team is: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Stuart MacGill, Andrew Symonds, Shane Warne, Brad Williams, Wade Seccombe.


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