Shane Warne's memory and legacy have loomed heavily over the ongoing fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since his tragic demise. Shane Warne, considered one of the greatest spinners in cricket history, passed away on March 4, 2022, in Thailand, while on vacation.
Shane Warne, who made his Test debut in 1992, went on to become the first bowler to take 700 wickets in Tests. He finished his career with 708 wickets in 145 tests and also played a huge role in the revival of leg-spin in ODI cricket, taking 293 wickets in 194 games.
Shane Warne was also part of the Australian team that won the 1999 ICC World Cup in England. Warne's brilliant cricket career was forged at the ground, and he was commemorated on the first day of the Boxing Day Test and will be throughout the match.
As an honor in his memory, a tradition began in the 2023 Ashes, when the crowd tipped their hats to pay homage to Shane Warne at the venue in MCG.
On December 26, 2025, at precisely 3:50 p.m.—a nod to Warne’s Baggy Green cap number- the record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), including cricketing greats like England’s Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan and his Australian counterpart Ricky Ponting, performed a stadium-wide ‘tipping of the hat.’
Fans, many sporting their own floppy hats in imitation of Warne’s iconic look, joined players and legends in a silent, caps-doffed tribute.
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Notably, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) attracted the largest attendance ever for a single day of cricket. On Day 1 of the Boxing Day Ashes Test between Australia and England, 94,199 fans packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground, setting a new attendance record for the facility.
Coming to the fourth Ashes Test at MCG, Australia was bowled out for 152 after being asked to bat first by Ben Stokes as he won the toss. Michael Neser top-scored with 35, while Usman Khawaja (29) and Alex Carey (20) contributed as well. Josh Tongue returned figures of 5/45, while Gus Atkinson chipped in with two wickets.
In response, England was skittled out for 110 runs, with Harry Brook top-scoring with 41 runs. Michael Neser claimed 4/45, while Scott Boland picked up three wickets and Starc accounted for two.
