Shane Warne to be honoured during Boxing Day Test

Dec 20, 2022

Shane Warne to be honoured during Boxing Day Test Image

An honouring of Shane Warne will take place during the forthcoming Boxing Day Test match between South Africa and Australia, according to Cricket Australia.

The Boxing Day match will be the first Test match played at the home stadium of the renowned leg-spinner since Warne's terribly early death in Thailand at the age of 52.

A number of tributes are planned by Cricket Australia for the Test, and according to ICC, both teams will wear Warne's iconic floppy white hat during the national anthem ceremony before the game.

There will also be a special highlights package of Warne played on the MCG screen and on broadcast during the day, while his famous Test cap number of 350 will be painted square of the wicket for the entirety of the match.

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

"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."

During his lengthy career, the Australia great captured 708 Test wickets in total. Many of his greatest performances took place at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground.

When Warne bowled England captain Andrew Strauss for his 700th Test wicket in 2006, local fans flocked to the location to show their support for the star spinner.

Earlier this year, the Shane Warne Stand at the southern end of the arena was renamed in honour of the legendary cricketer.