Warne tipped as top favourite to be granted 're-introduced' Oz knighthood

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has reportedly been tipped as a top favourite to be granted a knighthood after Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that the country could reintroduce knights and dames to the Order of Australia.

Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman (1949) and racing icon Sir Jack Brabham (1979) are among those to have been granted knighthoods in the past on account of their sporting deeds.

According to News.com.au, Australian sports betting site TAB has tipped Warne as a three-dollar favourite for the honour after Abbott said that the Queen had agreed to bring back the honour for Australians, with no more than four knighthoods and/or damehoods awarded each year

The Prime Minister also said that knights or dames would be selected from those who have held public office but athletes have previously been considered for recognition in Australia.

Australian sports legends Ian Thorpe, Sally Pearson, Cathy Freeman and Susie O'Neill are also among the ten prospective candidates taken out by TAB for the honour, the report added.