The food manufacturer Heinz has come to the rescue of the "fading" Australian spinner Shane Warne, by agreeing to send nearly 2,000 cans of baked beans and spaghetti to the Australian cricket team currently touring India.

The Australian physio, Errol Alcott, describes Warne's problem (1'26")

A fax had been received by the Australian Cricket Board for an urgent supply of the tinned food to be sent to the subcontinent to feed Warne, who, according to management, takes a "dim view" of Indian food.

Australia's greatest spinner, who has taken 303 Test wickets, is said to be losing weight and pining for home comforts.

His distaste for all things spicy has led to a diet of cereal, naan bread and toasted cheese sandwiches and, with Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor and Ricky Ponting all beset by stomach problems leading into Friday's first Test in Chennai, team officials say they are determined to keep Warne healthy and fit.

The shipment of 40 cartons of baked beans and spaghetti leaves for India on Friday.

A spokeswoman for Heinz said: "We immediately volunteered to help out when we heard Shane was in need. We're paying for the food and Qantas is flying it for free."

The former Australian Cricket Board chairman, Alan Crompton, has suggested that Warne should perhaps consider broadening his diet.

"I think that Shane does need to adjust because Shane's dietary habits are a little restricted at this stage of his life," he said. "He's certainly not adventurous."

But the former Test fast bowler, Geoff Lawson, has defended the decision to import the food, saying that baked beans, "are full of complex carbohydrates and you need that if you're bowling 30 or 40 overs a day."

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