Warnie sends SMS during poker game

CRICKET legend Shane Warne’s twitchy finger has landed him in hot water again after he was sin-binned during a poker tournament for sending a text message on his mobile phone.

The former Test cricketer was banned from playing for five minutes for his sin during the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament event at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. Warne is contracted to internet poker giant 888.com to play tournaments around the world, including the prestigious World Series of Poker, which was won by Aussie Joe Hachem in 2005.

But the deal has caught his English county team Hampshire off guard, with the side forced to start next season without their inspirational captain.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “We’re confident he will be back, but we’ll have to start the season with someone different. I’ll chat with Shane and work out a sensible cricket program for both of us.”

Warne and Hachem are among a crowd of big names playing in the Aussie Millions tournament at Crown Casino, including Alias actor Michael Vartan, actress Jennifer Tilly, American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth and injured tennis player Mark Philippoussis.

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