Warne calls to silence curator

Shane Warne has told the Trent Bridge groundsman to "keep his mouth quiet" after suggesting the fourth-Test pitch would suit seam instead of spin. Warne, who has a stunning record at the ground with 21 wickets in three matches, said Steve Birks should be concerned only with preparing the surface.

"The wicket looks pretty good, contrary to what the groundsman wants to try and say," Warne told AAP. "He should just worry about getting a good wicket up. He should keep his mouth quiet, that's what he should do."

Warne was upset with Birks' comments in the Daily Mirror earlier in the week. "One thing is certain as far as the Test pitch is concerned," Birks said, "there shouldn't be anything in it for that spinner of theirs until the fifth day."

With 20 wickets and 204 runs in the opening three matches, Warne will again be a crucial member of the side contemplating a bowling attack without Glenn McGrath, who has an elbow problem, for the second time in three Tests.