Paul Barry, author of the controversial book on Shane Warne
Spun Out
, has claimed that the Australian spin wizard has a fetish for scandals which motivate him to perform better on the field.
"I think he almost needs, or likes, the notoriety and he likes the exposure," Barry told the Nine Network's 'Today' programme.
"You see time and again when he gets into some scandal or other, he comes out and plays better than he ever has done and I think it goads him to greater heights. It's as if he needs to establish that we need him, and that we'll still love him," Barry said.
Barry, who has claimed in the book that the spin legend "had 1000 women and was caught only five times", also said that the Aussies adhere to a code of silence which encourages promiscuity by Warne and other team members.
He also alleged that the Australian team travels with supplies of condoms to ensure they never run short of them.
Barry's views was supported in a poll by 69 per cent of the Australians who were not ready to accept that Warne was clean.
{{/usCountry}}Barry's views was supported in a poll by 69 per cent of the Australians who were not ready to accept that Warne was clean.
{{/usCountry}}Barry was unperturbed by threats from Warne and his estranged wife Simone to sue him.
"Simone says she'll sue and she says Shane will sue as well. I'm not quite sure what Shane's going to sue for as the suggestion he's been unfaithful is hardly new," Barry said.