Opinion
Goodbye, legend, after an incredibly short but memorable innings.
Shane Warne’s indelible mark on cricket could not have been better emphasised than the overwhelming send-off at the hallowed MCG.
Melbourne and Australia’s iconic hero, who took the world by storm with his uncanny talent that revolutionised leg spin, was given an unforgettable send-off in the final siren of the life of a champion.
He was not just a champion of the sport, he championed what a true sportsman should be. The fact that Warnie was a fiercely competitive cricketer who would stop at nothing to swing the scales in favour of those he represented was testament to his commitment to whatever he undertook.
His contributions were legendary and will be forever cherished by Australia, the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, who he captain-coached to be the first winners of the multimillion-dollar Indian tournament, and the Hampshire County Cricket Club.
While everyone stereotyped him to be a cricketer or to a lesser degree a footy wannabe, Warnie was very much more.
He filled a lifetime cut short, fulfilling more than many could envisage outside of his rare cricketing exploits by being a caring thoughtful human being who had that uncanny knack of finding time to make lesser mortals feel important.
Time management for a high-profile human is a herculean task, but Warnie was as much a magician at that as his leg spin, as many beneficiaries would readily attest.
He would find time for anyone immaterial of their status in life just to put a smile on their face.
He has touched the hearts of fans all around the world. Sri Lanka, his favourite country for reasons close to his heart after his best early exploits began in the island nation, will forever remember his dash to help when the tsunami devastated the country and his favourite venue, Galle, which he contributed greatly to rebuild. He was answering an SOS from friend Muttiah Muralitharan, the world’s highest wicket-taker in Tests.
That’s what sets him apart from anyone else who played the game.
(Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
A larrikin for the most part on and off the field, he is remembered for his massive contribution to bringing a smile to the faces of those seeking upliftment.
Outrageous at some times yet unassuming and down to earth, Warnie left that indelible mark on whoever he interacted with. But there was no doubt he revelled in the limelight.
He leaves this world a monumental human being apart from a cricketing icon.
His critics, who would not be many in number, would ungrudgingly bow to a man who was bigger than most as a model and evenly balanced human in an imperfect world.
A parade of former teammates, past captains and some of the best players around the globe were unstinting in their respect and praise for Australia’s iconic leggie, who left a lasting memory of a loved and feared player.
Former skippers Allan Border and Mark Taylor, teammate Merv Hughes, former England skipper Nasser Hussain and iconic West Indian legend Brian Lara paid glowing tributes to the departed champion.
What a cross-section of society turned up to his final send-off at the MCG, all paying homage to a charismatic character that touched people from all walks of life with a common focus, to honour a man that had no disrespect for anyone.
Tributes flowed from far and wide around the globe in a heart-rending farewell to a man that touched them in innumerable ways as an opponent, player and ever-available adviser to anyone who needed his counsel on how to improve their technical skills.
His memory will live long in the hearts of all who played with him or against him and who were privileged to share his company, whatever it was.
A legend and beautiful personality gone too soon.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
Test great Steve Smith is to play for Washington Freedom in the second season of Major League Cricket as the Australian influence in the…
Nathan Lyon has revealed his disappointment that Australia's cricket chiefs have prevented him from playing his first full season of county cricket in England…
Some of you may have watched the recent Fox Sports Series 'A Brief History of Australian Cricket: the Eighties'. If not, I’d definitely recommend…
Nathan Lyon's spell with English county Lancashire has been halved as Cricket Australia looks to protect the fitness of the star spinner. The Australian,…
Cricket Australia insists Optus Stadium can replace the Gabba as the men's Test team's new fortress after handing Perth the first match against India.…
It's no longer about how many runs score individually - it is about the team's ability to win Test in pressure moments.
