Johannesburg: A stunned cricketing community on Tuesday reacted with disbelief to the sensational news of legendary leg spinner Shane Warne being found positive in a dope test while his teammates hoped he would be cleared soon.

Indian captain Saurav Ganguly, practicing at Paarl with the team ahead of their tournament opener against Holland on Wednesday, said the news had stunned him and all the players assembled in South Africa for the gala event would miss him.

"It's really a sad news for world cricket.... I do not know on what basis he has been banned but obviously he will be missed," said Ganguly adding that his own teammates were very careful about the new drug policy put in place for the World Cup.

"We are strictly following the instructions in this regard," he said.

Legendary Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy said Warne should not be held guilty until his 'B' sample results were known.

Former England captain Mike Gatting, a victim of Warne's "ball of the Century" - the first the leg spinner bowled in his Test career - said the absence of Warne would weaken the Australian team.

"He will be a huge loss for Australia. I cannot believe Shane Warne would do that. I don't think it is anything more than an honest mistake."

Extras:
Warne Tests positive for banned drug, to return home