So it came as no surprise when in August 2000 ACB chairman Denis Rogers said openly that Warne's off-field behaviour had cost him the vice-captaincy.

"It's been very disappointing," Warne said then, "the exaggeration, the sensationalism of it all -- and the inaccuracies. I'd love to captain Australia, but if I keep making mistakes the percentages aren't going to be in my favour.

"I am disappointed, but I'm going to take it on the chin and fight back and I'm going to try to make a positive out of this," the leggie added after wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist replaced him as the vice-captain.

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