Warne wants to play on for Australia

Warne has missed the summer five-Test series against the West Indies after fracturing his bowling finger in a domestic Shield game but the 31-year-old said he was determined to prolong a career which has already spanned 84 Tests. "Seeing this sensational crowd today I hope this is the last Boxing Day Test I miss for the next few years," Warne said.

The leg-spinner received a momento of his record from the Australian Cricket Board, listing every wicket he had taken to pass Lillee’s mark.

Warne is aiming to make Australia’s tour of India in February-March followed by the Ashes tour to England in mid-year.

Battle to protect Bradman’s name

SYDNEY: A battle to protect the name of cricket legend Don Bradman from commercial exploitation was stepped up here today with police announcing the seizure of unauthorised memorablia.

Australian federal police said 26 cricket bats and 29 wall plaques, many carrying the aging legend’s signature, had been confiscated because of alleged trademark infringements. Australian federal police spokesman Justin Conabere said investigators believed the signatures were genuine.

“The signatures were obtained by mail from the Don by the particular person, but in no way was it known by the Don …. That they were to be used for commercial enterprise,” he told reporters. “I believe all the ones I’ve come across so far are legitimate signatures.”

Conabere said the items were being sold over the internet and in retail outlets. Autographed items were offered for sale for thousands of dollars in some cases, investigators said.

Neil Hawke loses fight for life

ADELAIDE: Former Australian Test fast bowler Neil Hawke has died here after fighting a prolonged illness. Hawke passed away at Mary Potter Hospice on Christmas day after battling a series of health problems arising from an infection he suffered in 1980. He was 61.

Hawke, a right-arm fast-medium bowler, played the first of his 27 Tests against England in the fifth Test in Sydney in 1963. He captured 91 wickets at 29.41 with a best of 7-105. He once took 10 wickets in a match and had six hauls of five wickets in an innings.