The upcoming Boxing Day Test match between South Africa and Australia in Melbourne will honour Shane Warne, according to Cricket Australia. It has been a year since the tragic death of Warne, a champion leg-spinner, at the age of 52 in Thailand. The Boxing Day match will mark the first Test match to be played at Warne’s home ground since his passing.
A number of tributes have been planned for the Test by Cricket Australia, and both teams will wear Warne’s famous floppy white hat at the national anthem ceremony before the game. Warne’s famous Test cap number, 350, will be painted square of the wicket for the duration of the game, and a special highlights package of his career will be shown on the MCG screen and during the daytime broadcast.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said it was important for fans to be able to pay tribute to Warne and recognise the feats he achieved throughout his career. (via ICC)
“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.
“His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured. Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour 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.”
