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Last Updated: Thursday, 31 August 2006, 07:06 GMT 08:06 UK
Veteran Aussies looking to future
Shane Warne
Warne needs only 15 wickets for 700 in Tests
Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer have joined Glenn McGrath in committing themselves to international cricket beyond this winter.

McGrath recently confirmed he wants to play on until the 2009 tour to England.

And his three Australia team-mates have also squashed talk of retirement after the Ashes series starting in November.

"When that time comes I think everybody will know, but at the moment I love playing cricket," said Warne, who will soon celebrate his 37th birthday.

The leg-spinner is the most successful bowler in the history of Test cricket and hopes to play on for another five years if his form and fitness remain good.

Wicket-keeper/batsman Gilchrist, meanwhile, has had second thoughts about making the World Cup in the Caribbean next March his swansong.

The selectors have allowed the 34-year-old to miss next month's tri-series against India and West Indies in order to keep him fresh.

And he said: "The way I feel at the moment, I'm really keen to get through this summer (in Australia) and keen to go on after the summer.

"I realise things can change. I don't want to make any bold statements about where I'm headed but the intention at the moment would be to keep playing."

Langer is now 35, but has been revitalised by a short spell in England playing county cricket for Somerset.

He made a career best score of 342 in one game and said: "Physically and mentally I feel really sharp."

Unlike Gilchrist, Langer is not part of Australia's one-day squad, so he is concentrating all his energy on the Ashes series.

"Every day I was over there (in England), people were reminding me about the Ashes. The kindling was already on the fire then, but now it's like an inferno," he commented.

SEE ALSO
McGrath eyes 2009 tour of England
24 Aug 06 |  Australia
Aussies recall McGrath & Hayden
22 Aug 06 |  Australia
McGrath to target Strauss & Cook
01 Aug 06 |  England
England in Australia 2006-07
15 Dec 05 |  Future tour dates


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