The Melbourne Stars paid a rich tribute to legendary late spinner Shane Warne in their BBL 12 match against Hobart Hurricanes, on Friday, as the crowd and players gave a standing ovation after the 23rd ball of the match.
Warne, the greatest Australian bowler of all time and one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the century, played an integral role in the launch of the BBL. He came out of retirement to play for the Stars across the first two seasons, significantly lifting the profile of the league.
He passed away lin March this year while vacationing in Thailand and one of the stands at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was renamed after him as his funeral was held at the ground.
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Stars players on Friday all warmed up in Warne-themed tops with the No. 23 on their backs — the number Warne donned for limited-overs matches during his famous cricket career.
An original Stars top featuring Warne’s name and number, as well as a cap, were also present near the boundary rope for the match.
In addition to it, the number 23 jersey was retired by Melbourne Stars in honor of Shane Warne.
Then just after the 23rd ball of the match, there was a moving moment as players stopped and fans rose to their feet for a standing ovation for Warne.
A video posted by BBL’s official Twitter account showed Hurricanes’ spinner Shadab Khan clapping during the ovation as well.
Check it out here:
