The world’s great leg-spinner and Australian legend Shane Warne passed away on 4 March in Thailand. On Sunday 20 March, his family and friends had given him the last farewell. His funeral took place in his hometown Melbourne. At St Kilda Football Club in Melbourne, everyone, including his fellow cricketer, saluted their hero with moist eyes.
Shane Warne’s three children, parents and friends were among 80 people who came to pay their last respects to the legendary cricketer on Sunday. His friends included retired Test captain Mark Taylor, Allan Border and former England captain Michael Vaughan. Apart from this, Glenn McGrath and Michael Clarke also came to bid their last farewell to their former partner.
Shane Warne was considered one of the top players of all time. He died on March 4 at Samui Island in Thailand, where he was on a holiday with his friends. His ‘autopsy’ test had said that 52-year-old Warne may have died of a heart attack.
His body was brought to Melbourne from Bangkok, Thailand a week ago. His family, friends and many fellow cricketers attended the private ceremony today. He will be given a final farewell with state honors on March 30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in which the general public will be allowed. A stand on the ground will also be named after Shane Warne in his honor.
Shane Warne started his cricket career in 1992 and played his last international match in 2007. However, he continued to play in the IPL till 2011 at the age of 42. Under his captaincy, Rajasthan Royals also became the champion in the first season in IPL 2008. He has 708 wickets in Test cricket and 293 wickets in ODIs. In IPL also he took 57 wickets in 55 matches. He is the second leading wicket-taker in the world after Muttiah Muralitharan.