Warne dismisses England coach rumours

Shane Warne has played down suggestions he could become the next England coach.

Following the sacking of Peter Moores on Wednesday, reports surfaced in Australia that Kevin Pietersen had approached Warne - a good friend from their playing days at Hampshire - while he was still captain to replace the England coach.

"Let me say I am in no way, shape or form considering coaching England," he told Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph. "I'm loving what I'm doing, especially the Channel 9 commentary, and there is no thought of coaching England or anyone else. The only way I'd do that is through an offer so financially outrageous it would be impossible to refuse."

While the leg-spinner admitted former team-mate Pietersen's ego would be "dented a bit" following the events of the past week, he expects him to be bounce back quickly.

"Kevin is a guy who likes the limelight, he likes to be the man," Warne added.

"He's obviously got a pretty big ego as well, so that will be dented a bit. But he's also got the ability, no matter what's going on, to perform.

"One thing is for sure - England need Kevin Pietersen. He's their best player and one of the best players in the world, and England need him to perform.

"This situation will stir his emotions. He'll be bitterly disappointed at the lack of support from the England (and Wales) Cricket Board and I'm sure this will drive him to become an even stronger player.

"Come the Ashes, beware of Kevin Pietersen because he could lift his game to another level."