Shane Warne confirms return to professional cricket

Shane Warne has returned to professional cricket, confirming a one-year deal with the Melbourne Stars.

The 42-year-old had announced his retirement from cricket earlier this year at the end of the Indian Premier League season.

The spinner will play in Twenty20 competition the Big Bash League, which features eight city-based franchises.

Warne's last professional appearance on home soil came five years ago, when he took his 1,000th international wicket in Australia's 5-0 Ashes whitewash.