On March 4th, 2022, the world was hit with harrowing news of the shocking sudden death of one of the greatest cricketers in history, the illustrious Shane Warne.
In the nine months since this tragedy, no one has forgotten the impact 'Warney' left on the lives of countless Australians and cricketers across the globe.
Now 15 years on from his retirement in 2007, he has qualified for a spot in the prestigious Sport Australia Hall of Fame, and has appropriately been granted a place, joining four Australian cricket legends.
He will sit beside the great Sir Don Bradman, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud and Dennis Lillee as one of Australia's most iconic athletes ever.
He, and late Australian distance running champion Ron Clarke, become two of just 44 sporting icons to be officially elevated to 'legend' status since 1993. The memories of these athletes will influence countless generations to come.
Warne properly emerged as an elite talent in 1993, where he was selected to tour England for a famous Ashes series in which he led the wicket-taking tally with 34 dismissals, and bowled the great Mike Gatting with a delivery heard around the world and famously renowned as the 'ball of the century'.
From here, Warne took the sporting world by storm and changed the landscape of spin bowling forever, eventually ending his test career with 708 wickets; second most in history, while providing spectators with some of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history.
Perhaps the most famous moment was his 700th test wicket, taken in front of a near-record crowd of almost 90,000 at the MCG on Boxing Day of 2006. It is the opinion of many that the eruption heard at the stadium on this day is yet to be matched by any other sporting moment since. It stands as one of the most memorable plays in Australian sporting history.
John Bertrand, Sport Australia Hall of Fame chairman and fellow inductee, spoke on the induction of Shane Warne.
"We are thrilled to announce their well-deserved elevation to Legend status within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame," he said.
"Shane Warne and Ron Clarke are the true definition of Legends. Inspirations to all Australians.
"They symbolise everything that is great about sport in Australia."
Warne's induction will be broadcasted on Channel Seven this Thursday evening and hosted by commentator, Bruce McAvaney. Allan Border and Shane's father, Keith, will also feature on the program.
