Negotiations are under way for cricket-mad sprint king Usain Bolt to play in Australia's domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League, with Shane Warne leading the campaign to bring him to Melbourne.

Bolt, hailed by International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge as the greatest sprinter of all time after three gold medals in London, played junior cricket before turning to the track and has long voiced a love for the game.

He said he wanted to play and had spoken to the Australian former Test leg-spinner.

"He (Warne) contacted me and asked me about if I am serious and if I really want to do it, then he can put in a few words that should get it done," Bolt said late Sunday. "So we will see if I get the time off. I will try."

Cricket is hugely popular in the West Indies, with Bolt's Jamaica one of its strongest teams, producing greats such as Frank Worrell, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh and Chris Gayle.

Bolt, 25, said he particularly likes the fast-paced Twenty20 concept, where each side tries to blast as many runs as possible in a maximum of 20 overs.

(China Daily 08/14/2012 page23)