- CA has announced plans to honor Shane Warne during the forthcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
- Warne passed suddenly in Thailand at the age of 52 earlier this year.
- The Boxing Day match will be the first Test played on his home ground since his demise.
Cricket Australia has announced plans to honor Shane Warne during the forthcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne against South Africa.
Warne tragically passed suddenly in Thailand at the age of 52 earlier this year, and the Boxing Day match will be the first Test played on his home ground since his demise.
Cricket Australia has planned a number of tributes for the Test, including both teams donning Warne’s iconic floppy white hat for the national anthem prior to the start of the match.
A special highlights package of Warne will also be played on the MCG screen and aired throughout the day, and his legendary Test cap number, 350, will be painted in the square of the wicket for the duration of the match.
Nick Hockley, the CEO of Cricket Australia, stated that it was essential for supporters to be able to pay tribute to Warne and recognize his career accomplishments.
“Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game,” Hockley said.
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“His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured. Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honor Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
“Shane became recognisable not only through his genius and mastery of the art of leg spin, but also his floppy hat and zinc, so we encourage fans to remember Shane by wearing their own floppy hat and zinc to Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.
“I know I speak for the whole cricket community in saying that our thoughts continue to be with Shane’s family and friends and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.”
Throughout his illustrious career, the Australian legend took a total of 708 Test wickets, and many of his finest moments were on the renowned Melbourne field.
In 2006, Warne took his 700th Test wicket when he bowled England captain Andrew Strauss, as local fans flocked to the site to show their admiration for the famous spinner.
This year, the stand at the southern end of the stadium was renamed the Shane Warne Stand in honor of the cricket legend.
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