Shane Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ made him Ashes hero and his death sent shockwaves through sporting world
Shane Warne was an Ashes legend who would be just as excited as all of us about the upcoming series that starts on Friday.
His absence will be hugely felt after his shock death in March 2022 and will be the first Test series between Australia and England since his passing.
Warne was regarded as the greatest leg-spinner of all-time, having taken 708 Test match wickets, a figure surpassed only by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.
It was in the Ashes where he really shone, causing England no end of trouble during his illustrious career.
He took 195 Ashes wickets - the most in the competition's history and 38 more than second-placed Glenn McGrath.
Warne became a household name thanks to his ‘ball of the century’ against Mike Gatting in 1993.
In the 2005 series he took 40, which was part of 96 for the year. It remains a record for a player in a single calendar year.
He signed off his stellar career in 2007 following Australia's 5-0 win over England and in retirement he became a well liked pundit and commentator.
Warne was a larger-than-life character that made just as many headlines off the pitch as he did on it during his heyday.
He was also a man who was generous with his time and loved by the entire cricket community and beyond.
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This was on full display following his sudden death in 2022. He died from a heart attack while in Thailand aged just 52.
Broadcaster Mark Nicholas was a close friend of Warne's and co-wrote his autobiography.
He told talkSPORT after Warne’s death: "This is one of the greatest cricketers there has ever been, but more than that, one of the most inspirational sporting people there has ever been.
"He turned a whole generation around to a new rock-and-roll type of cricket, he played to a level never been seen before.
"He was an entertainer and loved that so many people loved watching him play. He was an amazing guy with so much energy. The only consolation I can give is he gave his life a real good crack.
"I would say I would have trusted him with my life and would rate him as one of the great enthusiasts... of anything. He was up for anything.
"His stubbornness was great for the game, he didn't compromise on anything he believed in.
"He gave so much for the sport but so many other areas.
"This is a desperate blow. I'm thinking of his mum and dad and kids, they are marvellous people.
"He was one of the most amazing people I've ever met and it's just terrible."
More than 50,000 people attended a memorial service for Warne at the MCG, with some of the biggest names from both the sporting and celebrity worlds, including Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue and many more there to pay their respects.
It showed how he transcended the game and his absence will be severely felt during The Ashes this summer.
