Shane Warne offers tips to South African bowlers ahead of World T20 semifinal

Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne (R) talks with South Africa cricketer Imran Tahir at a training session during the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 2, 2014.

Retired Australian spin bowler Shane Warne surprised the South African team with his presence at their practice session ahead of their ICC Twenty20 clash against India, reports AFP.

“We were all surprised to find him at the nets,” Hashim Amla told reporters. “Maybe he was getting bored at the hotel and came over to have a bowl.”

“We were all surprised to see him out here. He bowled six, seven balls. May be he was getting bored in his hotel room,” Proteas’ team manager, Lerato Malekutu was equally surprised with Warne’s visit.

Warne came by the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium at around 10.45 am IST in the morning, and upon finding that the players were still practising their fielding drills, Warne decided to wait in the VIP lounge of the stadium.

Following the end of their fielding training regime, Warne joined the players at the nets as he spent almost an hour along with the South African bowlers, giving them tips for their upcoming clash against India.

Warne’s main focus of attention was said to be spinner Imran Tahir, after South African bowling coach and Warne’s close friend Allan Donald had personally insisted on Warne’s presence. Along with Tahir, Warne was seen mentoring JP Duminy and Aaron Phangiso. Warne was also seen bowling a few deliveries to young Quinton de Kock.

However, Warne was nowhere to see when the local media arrived at the spot.

India has so far tightened the noose around oppositions with their spin bowling, especially leggie Amit Mishra, who beaten batsmen in air quite nonchalantly. Surely, Warne’s visit to the nets shows what’s on mind of the team management ahead of the crucial semifinal on Friday.