Warne reveals how he almost quit the game

Shane Warne has revealed how he almost quit the game two years ago when he was dragged into the match-fixing controversy.

The legendary spinner is still a key member of the side that's seeking to retain the Ashes at Trent Bridge later this week.

Yet it took advice from two Australian skippers and the celebrations after the side won the 1999 World Cup to prevent him from quitting.

"Fresh and false accusations had been made about my involvement in match-fixing years earlier," Warne told the Daily Mail.

"I was sick and tired of innuendo and rumour about everything in my life and of having to prove myself innocent."

Warne told skipper Steve Waugh about how he felt. He added: "I told him that I had had enough. My tone clearly took him by surprise, but he warned me not to make a rash decision.

"His advice was to go home after the World Cup and think about the future in calmer circumstances. Steve did not attempt to make a decision for me but I knew he was there for me, which meant a lot."

He added: "Later I told Allan Border I was going to retire and he told me: 'You're a long time retired' and advised me to think again.

"Then the victory parades began back home and they were unbelievable. They made me realise what I would be missing, the dressing-room humour and sharing the great times with the team. I was ready to fight if I had to."