Warne suggests Murali might still play

Shane Warne: wouldn't be surprised if Murali made a late entrance © Getty Images

Shane Warne hasn't ruled out the possibility of Muttiah Muralitharan taking part in the Test series against Australia, even though Murali announced he would not be taking part for personal reasons.

Murali, the leading wicket-taker in Tests with 527, is actually due to be in Australia during the series for a promotional event, and Warne, who is only eight wickets behind on the list, won't be surprised if Murali ends up putting his whites on after all.

According to an AAP report, Warne said: "It might be a tactical thing they're trying, maybe a couple of days before the first Test he might just rock up and play." He continued, "It's something I feel might happen. I am not saying it's definitely going to happen. I just wouldn't be surprised."

Meanwhile, Warne welcomed the selectors' decision to recall Stuart MacGill, the legspinner. "He did well up in Darwin and Cairns last year, so if they decide to play two spinners, good," said Warne. "I am a bit biased. I always like to see the spin bowlers. The more spin bowlers, the better."

The first Test starts at Darwin on Thursday, July 1.