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McGain is Australia's best spinner: Warne

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September 13, 2008 20:24 IST

Legendary spinner Shane Warne on Saturday gave his thumbs-up to the selection of leg-spinner Bryce McGain for the Test tour of India, saying the 36-year-old is Australia's new number one Test spinner.

"If you look at the spinners at the moment in Australia he is the best," Warne was quoted as saying by the Courier Mail.

"He has slowed his pace down and is spinning it beautifully. Being 36 is an advantage for him experience wise and he has basically played club cricket once a week for most of his career so his body isn't a worry.

McGain, who has played only 19 first-class matches and taken 57 wickets at 33, on Friday was named as Australia's frontline spinner for the arduous four-Test tour of India and will partner rookie Tasmanian off-spinner Jason Krejza in a 15-man squad.

If McGain does play in India, he will become Australia's oldest Test debutant in 24 years after Bob Holland, who played against the West Indies at the age of 38 in 1984.

Warne, however, refused to rule out an international comeback, increasing speculation of a possible comeback before next year's Ashes.

"In my life I've learnt never to say never," Warne said.

"But at the moment I'm very happily retired and I'm very happy with my life," he said.

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