Cricket 2023: Shane Warne’s influence lives on for Mitch Swepson

Shane Warne was Mitch Swepson’s most public and powerful supporter. And while he misses the sound of his voice, he takes on his advice.

Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson misses the sound of the master’s voice but remains buoyed by Shane Warne’s wisdom as he prepares for the ultimate challenge of India.

When Warne died last year leg-spin lost its greatest advocate and Swepson his most public and powerful supporter.

Swepson is one of four spinners chosen for the four Test tour and if Warne was still alive he would no doubt be in full voice supporting Swepson’s Test case.

“He was always a positive voice for leggies and very supportive of what I was trying to do as a leg-spinner,’’ said Swepson as he prepared for Friday’s Big Bash game against the Hurricanes at the Gabba.

“He was always keen to support me on commentary and I definitely miss that. He was also generous in his time for me. Every time I saw him we had a chat. It’s really sad he is not around.’’

While Warne and Swepson never spoke specifically about India there are small Warne tips that still come into play.

Mitchell Swepson misses the support Shane Warne gave him. AFP

Recently, Swepson thought of Warne’s advice that if your stock ball is not working properly go to the ball which is coming out better.

Warne’s Test bowling average of 43 runs per wicket in India is part of the reason why Australia prefers finger spinners there … the logic is that if the greatest wrist spinner of all struggled in India, all other men of his craft must do as well.

But Indian leg-spinning great Anil Kumble took 350 in his home nation so there must be a way and hope for Swepson.

Indian wickets are a world away from the green seamers of Swepson’s home ground at the Gabba but he believes containing skills he learnt in Brisbane will be important on the Indian tour.

“The big thing in India is accuracy. They play spin so well. I have tried to develop my game differently from the normal leg spinner who might throw the ball up high and try an attack.

“I have had to learn a different role playing second fiddle to the quicks at the Gabba and coming in as a chop out bowler and give the quicks a rest by playing that holding role.

“You need to be accurate to play that holding role. You need to be able to know when to hold and when to attack. I have done it in Pakistan and Sri Lanka so it is certainly something I am not foreign to.’’

Originally published as Cricket 2023: Shane Warne’s influence lives on for Mitch Swepson