In a moment of sadness that reverberated through the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), cricket fans gathered on December 26, to pay their respects to the deceased. Shane Warne on the opening day of the fourth Test between Australia and India. At exactly 3:50 pm local time, a heartfelt ceremony took place, where thousands of spectators put on their caps together, remembering Warne's legacy and his 350th Test Test. A reminder of the great impact he had on cricket and its fans.
A tribute to Shane Warne
The tradition of doffing floppy hats began at the 2022 Boxing Day Test, shortly after Warne's sudden death in March 2022. This year, the tribute was led by Warne's children, Jackson and Brookewho stood in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 fans. As he guided the audience through these thoughts, a video showing Warne's famous moments was played on the big screen, to cheers and applause from the crowd. The MCG has become synonymous with Warne's legacy; it was there that he achieved many achievements in his career, including his famous hat-trick in 1994 and his 700th Test wicket in 2006.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Ricky Ponting, Alyssa Healy criticize Virat Kohli harshly for going against Sam Konstas.
Here is the video:
A tribute to the late great Shane Warne ❤️#AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/omw10WUPw9
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
Remembering Warne's legacy
Warne's impact on cricket goes beyond his impressive statistics—708 Test wickets and countless match-winning performances. His charismatic personality and unique playing style made him beloved not only in Australia but around the world. The floppy hat became his trademark, reflecting his steady yet fiercely competitive spirit. The MCG stands as a testament to his contribution, and his dedication to being named a statue in honor of his contribution.
The glory at this year's Boxing Day Test was particularly special as it also featured work to promote heart health awareness in conjunction with Shane Warne Legacy Foundation. Health monitors have been installed around the stadium, allowing fans to monitor their health while celebrating their favorite sport.
Australia are getting better on Day 1
As excitement ran high in the stands, the action on the pitch provided excitement as well. The first one Konstas himself stole the show with a blistering innings of 60 off just 66 balls, showing his mettle against a formidable Indian attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne they also contributed significantly to Australia's scoring as they crossed the 200-run mark in their debut. However, with the first day ending on 311/6, Australia faced further setbacks as wickets fell in quick succession.