Cricket Australia reveals plans to honour Shane Warne on Boxing Day Test

Shane Warne has always been an immortal name in the fabric of cricket, spinning his way through the defences of eminent batters and leaving the world starstruck in the wake of his brilliance. However, in a tragic incident, the emperor of leg-spin left the world for heavenly abode in March 2022.

In a tribute to Warnie, all cricketers of South Africa and Australia will be wearing floppy hats during their national anthems in the Boxing Day Test as a homage to Warnie. The first MCG Test since the passing away of the leggie legend was always going to be a messianic affair for the Australians. To ensure that this fray remains memorable, Cricket Australia ensured that they are going to make this an affair to remember.

Warne bossed the Boxing Day Test throughout the span of his glittering career that was emboldened by his hat-trick in 1994 and also securing his 700th Test scalp 12 years later at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

His Test cap number 350 will be painted square of the wicket for the duration of the Test match as a reminder of his presence in the MCG always. At 3:50 PM on Boxing Day, a graphic of Warne will be displayed on the MCG screens while highlight packages of the illustrious Victorian will roll out across the game. In fact, fans have also been asked to wear Shane’s floppy hat and apply the leggie’s zinc cream when attending the second Test of the series.

Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s chief executive said, “Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game. His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured.”

He further added, “Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG. 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.”