England: No dialogue with Warne

England have poured cold water on any potential link-up with Australian legend Shane Warne after he refused to rule out switching allegiances to help his Ashes rivals.

Warne is clearly intent on staying in the sport and the fact he lives in Southampton and will be playing for Hampshire for the next two seasons makes him accessible.

However, an England spokesman said: "We have a current coaching structure that we are more than happy with. No dialogue has taken place between Shane Warne and the England management."

He added: "Clearly he has a wealth of experience and could be a valuable addition to any coaching team."

Warne's preference would be to aid Australia, for whom he claimed 1,001 international wickets.

"Australian cricket is my priority. I want the team to stay number one in the world and to help the sport to remain number one in the country.

James Erskine, my manager, has been having talks with Cricket Australia to see if they can find a way for me to stay involved," said Warne in his column in The Times.

"Beyond that, I also want to make sure that cricket stays healthy worldwide. So I would not have any problem with helping in England, New Zealand, South Africa or anywhere else. We live on a small planet these days.

"I have an affection for England and a house in Southampton. And I've helped out England bowlers in the past. I am a big believer in players learning from each other. That is what happens -- or should happen -- at the end of every match or series."