Shane Warne announces return to cricket

Shane Warne officially announced his return to cricket on Tuesday (November 8), as he opened his new bar in Melbourne, Australia.The 42-year-old spin bowler will end his retirement and join the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League Twenty20 competition from December 17, 2011.Despite earlier speculation that he may only play a couple of games, Warne said hell play all seven games, or nine if they reach the finals. He said hes recaptured the physical form that got him to the peak of international cricket.Well, look, its something... If I wasnt confident in my own form, and in being able to be part of the team, I dont think I would have probably taken up that one or two games. Just come out, get whacked around a little bit, cause thats what happens in Twenty20. But, you know, I think Im in such a good shape at the moment, and I feel excited about playing cricket again. Involved in a good team. And I think I can have some sort of significant role that, whatever Whitey wants me to have, and Shippey wants me to have, Im happy to do. So, I wouldnt be going into this and playing all nine games, hopefully, without a sense of confidence in my ability that I could actually go out there and make a difference, he said.Warne said that his high-profile lifestyle and existing commitments can fit around his cricket. He said he wants his children and his fiancé, Liz Hurley, to see him play.The opening of Warnes new bar, Club 23, inside Melbournes Crown Casino on Monday evening (November 7) attracted an A-list of celebrities. Golfer Tiger Woods, flew into Melbourne for the event, and was full of praise for the new venue.This is phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. I think everyones going to be here for the Presidents Cup. I think were going to come up here and have a little bit of fun, he said.Wood stayed only ten minutes at the event, before flying to Sydney to prepare for the Australian Open. Liz Hurley was at Warnes side for the opening.Well, she chose my tie tonight, and I helped her choose her shoes, if thats okay. I think she looks pretty good. She looks fantastic. Club 23 is a partnership between Warne, businessman James Packer, and poker player Joe Hachem. I think, you know, with all the international events, and the wonderful international sporting events that we have here, its important that Melbourne had something like this. So it was something I went to James with a while ago, said Warne.Warne added his mark to the decor of the club, personally choosing many of the interior fittings. Myself and Joe have had lots of meetings to pick out fabrics and all sorts of things. A little bit of, I suppose, lounge looking around the world as well, he said.Despite the club being a hotspot for celebrities, it is also open to the public.