The Australian leg-spinner said the suspension had allowed him to get fitter than ever while regaining his motivation to continue playing at the top level.

"I think it'll actually help me in the long run," Warne told reporters on Friday at a reunion of Australia's Test cricketers.

"I think I've got two or three years left in the game and the enforced layoff is probably going to help me add another one at the end of my career."

Warne, who was banned from playing for a year after testing positive for banned diuretics just before the World Cup, said he had taken a break from bowling to give his shoulder a rest after years of wear and tear but was working hard on his general fitness.

"I'm as fit as I've ever been," he said.

"I've been working hard at the gym and running and I'm ready to go but there's no use peaking in August when I've still got six or seven months to go.

"I just have to look after myself and present myself the best way I can in February."

Warne said he had been catching up with his family during his time off and had also travelled to the United States and Britain on business.

He has agreed to try his hand at commentating during the test series between Australia and Bangladesh but said he expected to find it hard watching from the sidelines.

"It's like anything you love, when you're not doing it and it's taken away from you, you obviously miss it," he said.

Warne will be available for selection in February and Australia captain Steve Waugh said he expected him to regain his place in the Test side.

"Shane is a great player...he loves the big stage, the big opportunity and the big challenge and all three of those will be happening next year," Waugh said.

"He's got the challenge and he's got the desire so there's no reason why he can't be successful."