Shane Warne to step down from World Cup campaign to front ACB Anti-Doping Committee

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) today announced it has referred a positive finding on a test of a sample from Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne for a hearing by its Anti-Doping Policy Committee.

Warne told his team mates of the test result last night (10 February) and has stepped down from Australia's World Cup campaign.

A replacement player for Warne has yet to be announced.

Warne notified the ACB yesterday that he had received advice from the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) earlier in the day detailing a positive test for the diuretics, hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

The random sample was taken in Sydney on 22 January.

The substances for which he tested positive were believed to be in a fluid reducing tablet. They are not believed to be performance enhancing.

In line with ASDA's testing regime, the ACB and the 33-year-old player will await the results of a second test, otherwise known as a B sample before a hearing.

The hearing will be in Melbourne as soon as practicable. Details of who will conduct the hearing will be announced as soon as possible.

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said it would be inappropriate to speculate on details of the case until the evidence had been finalised and examined by the independent Anti-Doping Committee.

Meanwhile, the ACB has advised the ICC of the situation and will apply to the World Cup Event Technical Committee for approval to replace Warne in its World Cup squad. It has asked the Australian National Selection Panel to recommend a replacement.

The ACB will ask the ETC later for approval for Warne to return to the Australian squad if the Anti Doping Committee hearing clears him of any wrong-doing under the ACB's anti-doping policy.