Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to dedicate the first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia, starting June 29 at the Galle International Stadium to the memory of Shane Warne. The legendary spinner passed away of a suspected heart attack earlier this year while on a vacation in Thailand.

SLC's noble gesture will undoubtedly be a mournful occasion that stirs up bittersweet memories of Warne. The ‘leggie’ also picked up his 500th wicket, the first one to do so, in the longest format at the same venue when he castled Hashan Tillakaratne. 

The late cricketer was also a benevolent philanthropist. During the devastating Tsunami in December 2004 in the island nation, he visited affected areas and made a lot of donations to the victims. 

SEE ALSO: Sam Billings joins England’s squad for rescheduled fifth Test against India

The governing body hailed the spin legend for being an unrelenting cricket warrior on the field, “who gave no quarter nor asked for any, but who proved to be a true friend to his adversaries off the field in time of distress”.

“The Sri Lankan cricket establishment’s gesture is one of recognizing Warne as a true friend of Sri Lanka who came to the country’s aid during the 2004 Tsunami devastation by personally flying over and visiting affected areas and making generous donations, especially to homeless cricketers families. This writer had the privilege of having a word with the legend on that occasion when he visited the Moratuwa Cricket Stadium where several teenage cricketers were lined up in a guard of honor. He did voice that he was concerned about the welfare of Sri Lankans affected and as much saddened by the devastation of the Galle Stadium,” SLC said in the statement.

Warne achieved countless memorable milestones while representing Australia during his cricketing career, which lasted from 1992 to 2007 in white jersey and 1993 to 2005 in colored one. Over the course of his career, he played in 339 games across both forms, taking over 1000 wickets.

Warne played in 145 Tests claiming 708 wickets, with his best performance being 8/71 in an innings. Additionally, he finished with 37 five-wicket hauls and 10 ten-wicket hauls, while also taking 293 wickets overall in 194 ODI games.

(ANI INPUTS)