Spin king Warne set to bowl Indians over

He doesn't like the grub and has a sporting bias, but Shane Warne could be the
ultimate spin king Australia needs to repair its battered relationship with India.
The cricket legend has been recruited by the Victorian government to pitch Victoria
as a "great multicultural" state as the fallout over Indian attacks continues.
But just what Warne can do to win over the subcontinent remains to be seen.
Warne met with Premier John Brumby behind closed doors on Friday and refused to
speak to the media.
The talking was instead left to the premier, who offered little wisdom on how the
leg-spinner might turn Australia's reputation around.
He repeated the possibility of a "friendship cricket game" and did not rule out a
taxpayer-funded ad campaign.
"Shane of course through his cricket, through his prowess is greatly admired and
greatly respected in India," Mr Brumby said.
"I'd certainly like to see Shane perhaps in some promotion and advertising role in
India."
Stressing the need to restore some balance in the way Australia is portrayed in the
Indian media, Mr Brumby said Warne could also be used as a goodwill ambassador.
However, for a sportsman renowned for living off tinned baked beans on tour in India
rather than eating the local fare, Warne could be on a tough wicket.
"I've actually had a talk to him in the past about his penchant for baked beans," Mr
Brumby said.
"He does like baked beans but he's very eclectic in his food tastes and I think he
likes Indian food as well."
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the sport had a positive
relationship with India and there were other players also willing to get involved.
"I've got no doubt our players can play a role and help," he said.
"It's fantastic he's offered his services and let's see how things unfold."
Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) spokesman Gautam Gupta said Warne
was a good ambassador and his work should be focused on tackling racism locally,
rather than promoting Australia overseas.
"He's got a lot of young followers and he sends the right message," he said.
Victorian opposition police spokesman Peter Ryan agreed the government should tackle
the root cause of the problem, firstly by boosting police numbers.
"Shane Warne was the king of spin, John Brumby is now the king of spin, so I can see
immediately how there is some element of attraction of this proposition to Mr
Brumby."