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Warne's leg theory
Wisden CricInfo staff - August 4, 2001

Shane Warne's line at Trent Bridge

In his latest destruction of England, Shane Warne provided variety in more ways than one. While the Australian pace bowlers were sending very little down the leg side, that area is Warne's province of course. Note the number of balls aimed outside leg stump in the second innings and on or outside leg stump in both innings.

However, it's hard to claim this as the reason for his six wickets in the second innings. Only one batsman (Alex Tudor) was dismissed by a ball pitching wide of leg stump, while Alec Stewart played on to a long hop and Marcus Trescothick was almost spookily unlucky. As the chart shows, Warne has the ability to pitch the ball in any area he chooses.

This helps to explain his economy rate (he conceded fractionally over two runs an over) - and of course those eight wickets in the match. By varying his line, he gave the England batsmen more to think about. Not for the first time, it was too much for them.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd