More than 60,000 people were in attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday (March 30) for the state memorial service for former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, who passed away in Thailand earlier this month.
Former Australian fast bowlers Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, ex-Australian captains Allan Border and Mark Taylor, former England captain Nasser Hussain, West Indies legend Brian Lara were among those who paid rich tributes to Warne, considered the greatest spinner in the history of the game.
The stage is set. Tonight we farewell a King 👑 pic.twitter.com/cbi26l0orm
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 30, 2022
Also read: Tributes pour in for 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 from other codes and a host of other famous faces and dignitaries present in the crowd,” said Cricket Australia (CA) on its website.
Tendulkar’s tribute
There were also video tributes from other former cricketers including batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Legends united to bid farewell to a cricket great 💖 pic.twitter.com/IptGx4KMt8
— ICC (@ICC) March 30, 2022
“Warney, I remember was always extremely competitive and did everything possible to disturb the opposition, to dismiss them. But when someone batted well, he was the first one to walk up to you and congratulate you. That is how our friendship and respect for each other grew. Warney, my friend, I will miss you big time and you’ll continue to live in my heart,” Tendulkar said.
Also read: Disarmingly, Warne drew batsmen and us into his web of guile
Warne died at the age of 52 due to a suspected heart attack. He took 708 wickets in 145 Tests. He also had 293 wickets from 194 ODIs. He was first captain to win an IPL trophy, leading Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural edition of the T20 league in 2008.
There was a panel discussion in the middle of the MCG where Border, Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes, Lara and Hussain recalled their associations with Warne on the cricket field.
‘You were the greatest bowler’
“You’re the greatest Australian that I know. I’ve always been honoured to be in your presence,” said Lara.
“It was a privilege to be on a cricket field with you – you were the greatest bowler I ever saw,” Hussain said.
Also read: On the 22-yard strip, Warne made the red cherry talk and even sing
Border said, “It (Warne’s arrival) revitalised my captaincy towards the end of my time. I was lucky to have two years with Shane and I just thank him for that.”
A memorial fit for a King 👑 #ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/4oKMimsSp9
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 30, 2022
Warne’s father Keith Warne spoke first. He said, “Friday, 4 March 2002, the darkest day in our family’s life. It was the day that our son was tragically and suddenly taken from us. The family lost a beloved son, a loving brother to Jason, and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson, and Summer. And the world lost a much-loved cricket legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time.”
Also read: What was Shane Warne eating or not eating before his death?
The spin legend’s eldest daughter Brooke Warne, said, “I wanted the best for dad, and he wanted the best for me. He just wanted to be the best dad he could be. We were so lucky. I have to come to terms with the fact that my dad will never see me, Jackson or Summer grow up or see us get married one day and have kids. I could go on forever about what we will miss out on together. But nothing will be more upsetting about how I already miss you.”
“Dad was our shining star in life and now he is shining down on all of us. We will do you so proud and we are so proud of everything you achieved.”
‘Best dad’
Warne’s youngest daughter Summer Warne, said, “There is comfort in knowing how loved around the world he was, and still is. How he inspired so many of you to play cricket and bowl leg-spin. He touched so many people’s lives and always wanted to help and support people in any way he could.
“When dad would walk into a room, the whole room would light up. He would make you crack a smile, even if you didn’t feel like smiling that day. He would make you feel appreciated and so loved. His infectious smile and laugh are something I am going to forever miss. He was an inspiration.”
Wouldn’t doubt it for a second, Merv. pic.twitter.com/YNZPTf30mC
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 30, 2022
Warne’s son Jackson said, “You were the best dad anyone could ask for and you were my best friend. Time with you went way too fast. We didn’t have to do much to be happy together. Life was so easy and peaceful with you in it. Although I didn’t go down the cricket path, you didn’t mind. You just wanted the best for me. You told me manners were free and to always say please and thank you.”
Forever Warnie’s ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0OnNeBylSK
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 30, 2022
Towards the end of the memorial service, the Shane Warne Stand was unveiled at the MCG by Warne’s children.
From his first Test to his last, the late, great #ShaneWarne takes you through the big and important moments from his career 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/UgZkLPvxC6
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 30, 2022