 Warne was recently critical of Buchanan's pre-Ashes boot camp |
Australia great Shane Warne has made another attack on coach John Buchanan, saying his role is unnecessary. "I believe you need a manager rather than a coach," said Warne, whose side begin the Ashes series on 23 November.
"As an international cricketer, you know you're good enough and you don't need a coach getting too technical.
"John and I get along OK but... I think that his methods over-complicate issues and at some stages he has lacked common sense."
 | Last time I spoke to Shane, he was all about team solidarity |
Buchanan has been at the helm since 1999, a period that has included two successful Ashes series before last year's 2-1 defeat, and victory in the 2002-03 World Cup.
The Queenslander is famed for his unorthodox methods - including on three occasions pushing notes addressed to his own players under the hotel room doors of opponents.
He came under fire during the Ashes defeat in England but had his contract renewed in October, although he has confirmed he will to step down after next year's World Cup.
Warne, who turned 37 this week and is Test cricket's leading wicket-taker, recently questioned the need for the team's army-style bush training camp, organised by Buchanan.
 Warne sported an eye injury at the launch of his book |
Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed disquiet at reports of the comments, which he heard while in Malaysia, where Australia are playing a limited-overs tournament.
"Both John and myself have left voice messages on his phone to have a chat with him and work out if he actually did say some of the things that were mentioned in that article," he said.
"One thing I do know is that last time I spoke to Shane, he was all about team solidarity and was looking forward to the team being a very solid group."
Despite his outburst Warne, who has captained Hampshire this summer, is too important a figure to drop for the Ashes, which Australia need to win to regain the trophy.
Warne was speaking at the launch of his new book in London on Thursday, sporting an eye injury after being hit while batting in a Pro40 match on Wednesday.
He also admitted England's stand-in captain Andrew Flintoff would pose a real challenge this winter.
"We always try to nail the opposing captain early but Flintoff is an inspirational figure and it's hard to get under his skin," he added.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
News conference: Australia's Shane Warne