Perth (Australia): Australian Test skipper Steve Waugh said teammate Shane Warne had his full support as he fights to clear his name after being ruled out of the cricket World Cup for failing a drug test.

Warne returned to Melbourne from South Africa late on Wednesday in disgrace for testing positive for taking a banned diuretic tablet, apparently given to him by his mother.

Waugh, speaking after his New South Wales team beat Western Australia in a domestic One-day game in Perth, said he supported Warne whether the allegations proved true or false.

"I am just hearing second-hand what is going on, but all I can say is that I am 100 per cent behind Shane and I hope the allegations prove to be false," he said.

"If they are not I will still support him. People make mistakes, and being in the public glare it is very difficult for him. I feel sorry for Shane and his family and I hope that he comes through this strongly."

Waugh, who was passed over for World Cup selection, also said he thought 33-year-old Warne could come back after the allegations, despite the possibility of a two-year ban.

"I don't think anyone can cast too many stones because we all make mistakes. I guess when you make mistakes as part of the Australian side it is going to be big news, which it is.

"I am not going to sit here and judge Shane because I do not know the full details. It will hurt him for sure - it is embarrassing for him, and no one would like to have to front what happened to him yesterday and to have cameras in your face wherever you go.

"I certainly felt sorry for him, but I am sure he will get through this because he is a pretty strong, resilient character."

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Shamed Warne gets sympathy from World Cup captains
Drug scam: Warne family close ranks on tainted Shane
Warne returns home, says he is innocent of drug abuse