The country's cricket fans are all hoping the brilliant leg-spinner will recover from April's major shoulder surgery in time for the Ashes series.

And Warne's chances of facing England at some stage this winter look healthier after the latest step forward in his recuperation in Melbourne.

But there is still no sign of an immediate return to the Test side for Australia's most feared match-winner.

With his coach Terry Jenner looking on, Warne sent down 40 deliveries in the MCG nets.

He began tentatively but later increased the speed and improved his line.

"He would be pleased with that effort," Jenner said. "The last over was terrific because he bowled the leg-stump line that we know he is capable of.

"It was somewhat slower than what he has bowled before, but this is to only test his shoulder and not see how well he can bowl."

Warne said he would play for district cricket side St Kilda again this weekend after scoring a century last weekend - but whether he bowls will depend on how his shoulder responds from the session.

"The real test is how I pull up tomorrow," said Warne.

"I will ice it, see the physio and see how much strength I've got and then have another bowl.