Shane Warne stand in MCG. Photo- Twitter
Shane Warne stand in MCG. Photo- Twitter

Australia’s legendary cricketer Shane Warne received a huge and emotional memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30 which was attended by his former teammates, rivals, and colleagues both in person and via video link.

The well-loved Australian cricketer died at a luxury resort in Thailand on March 4  from a suspected heart attack aged 52, eliciting shock and grief from his millions of fans as well as prime ministers, rock stars, and fellow players. The larger-than-life “king of spin” was being honored in a two-hour service in front of about 50,000 fans that was beamed live to cricket grounds across Australia and watched around the world.

Shane Warne memorial. Photo- Getty
Shane Warne memorial. Photo- Getty

Eddie McGuire hosted the event, and unveiled the new Shane Warne Stand, replacing the Great Southern Stand in the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This was done in presence of his children Brooke Jackson and Summer.

Sachin Tendulkar Bids Farewell To The Legend Shane Warne

Taped musical performances by Elton John, Robbie Williams, Chris Martin, and Ed Sheeran were screened during the service, with cricket greats, local sporting stars sharing stories and reminiscing about the great leg spinner.

Shane Warne made his Australia debut in 1992 and played his last match in 2007. In 145 Tests, he picked 708 wickets, while he also scalped 293 ODI wickets, reviving the dying art of leg-spin. He, along with Anil Kumble and Mushtaq Ahmed is credited with making the art of leg-spin popular in white-ball cricket in the 1990s.

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Sachin Tendulkar at Shane Warne's memorial service
Sachin Tendulkar at Shane Warne’s memorial service

His greatest rival Sachin Tendulkar also paid tributes via video link, which was featured on the big screen at the MCG.

He said: “Warnie, I remember was always extremely competitive and everything possible to disturb opposition, to dismiss them, he would do. When someone batted well he was the first one to walk up to you and congratulate. That is how our friendship and respect for each other was. Warnie, my friend, I will miss you. I will miss you big time. You will continue to live in my heart. May your soul rest in peace.”

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