The Australian Cricket Board on Friday applied to the International Cricket Council to confirm whether it can replace Shane Warne at the World Cup.

"We are seeking confirmation of our understanding that we are able to replace Shane if needed. A replacement player has not yet been finalised, as this is pending results of final Australian Sports Drug Agency testing of Shane's B sample," ACB chief executive officer James Sutherland said.

He said the ICC has said that the World Cup Technical Committee will consider the application at the earliest.

"But we have applied for the technical committee's confirmation so that we can later move more quickly to select and have a replacement approved, if needed," he said.