Shane Warne has ruled out a Test comeback, but admits he was tempted by the idea.
Calls have grown for 41-year-old Warne to come out of retirement and help save Australia's floundering Ashes campaign, after the hosts were comprehensively beaten by England in the second Test in Adelaide.
"I must say I was very flattered and surprised that a lot of you out there wanted me to make a comeback and play in the series," he wrote in the Herald Sun newspaper.
"I must admit it did cross my mind, but then I woke up in London, where it was snowing, and realised I was only dreaming."
"So, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there will be no comeback in this Ashes series."
Warne, who took 708 wickets in 145 career Tests, said a lack of match fitness was the biggest factor standing in the way of a potential return.
"Of course I would love to be out there in the thick of it, but if there was to be a comeback I'd need time to get match fit," Warne said.
"My general fitness is as good as it's ever been - I have worked hard on that lately - but toiling away for long spells and backing up the next day takes time, practice, lots of physiotherapy and even more dedication."
Warne also reaffirmed his support for unheralded left-arm spinner Michael Beer, who has been named in Australia's 12-man squad for the third Test in Perth, starting Thursday.
If Beer makes the starting 11, he would become the 10th spinner Australia have used since Warne's retirement in 2007.
"He is an in-your-face player and ... this is what the Australian team needs," Warne said.
"He could surprise many with his ability to spin the ball ... He thinks about his game, has the ability to adapt and is a quick learner."