Warne will not play alongside Ponting again until February at least

In his newly published World Cup diary, Ponting says the leg-spinner should have known better than to take a banned diuretic pill.

"Every year we have a lecture on drugs," Ponting wrote.

"And I know I understand the issues well enough to check everything I take before I take it.

"That is common sense, and for Warney, who has been playing international cricket for over a decade, to ignore that approach is just madness."

Warne, Australia's leading Test wicket-taker, said he was given the drug innocently by his mother and took it to help him look better on television.

Ponting says his sympathy for his friend and team-mate was mixed with "a feeling of annoyance".

The batsman observes that for such a "nice, genuine bloke" Warne "does have this habit of attracting trouble".

Since his ban was imposed, Warne has hit the headlines after allegations he sent a South African woman lewd text messages.

At Monday's book launch Ponting added: "It's hard to be angry with a mate that is just a bit naive in something.

"He's a great player and I really hope I get to play some more cricket with him."

Warne said last month he will take no further part in any official training until the end of his ban in February after pressure on cricket authorities from the Australian government.