Spin. Skill. Gile. And the ability to bamboozle the even the best in business. Shane Keith Warne had it all. A career that had its share of controversies, a career that saw more highs than lows, Warne will always be remembered for his ability to defy the laws of physics. A true masterclass, a legend par excellence and arguably the best bowler cricket has seen was born on this day in 1969.
Here is a look at top 5 moments of his cricketing career.
– by Atharva Apte
5. Ball of the century, 1993
It was a chilly morning of 4th June at Old Trafford. A 24-year old blonde leggie was about to deliver his first ball on English soil. Mike Gatting was on strike. The ball pitched outside leg stump in the rough and turned away to hit the top of off stump. Gatting was totally bamboozled which was pretty evident from his facial expressions. Even the umpire couldn”t believe what had happened. Shane Warne ended up with 8 wickets in the game as Australia won comfortably by 179 runs.
4. 1999 World Cup
England has always been a lucky place for Warne. He is the only non-English cricketer to take 100+ test wickets on English soil. His affair with United Kingdom continued as Warne picked 20 wickets in 1999 world cup, playing a key role in Australia”s World Cup win. He was the joint leading wicket taker with Geoff Allott. He also achieved the rear feat of bagging man of the match award in both semi final and final after Mohinder Amarnath and Aravinda de Silva.
3. First captain to win IPL
In the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League, Shane Warne led Rajasthan Royals who were labelled as underdogs of tournament to IPL title. His leadership skills were at their best and Warne proved that captaincy was something in his DNA. Considering the inability of few players in his side to understand English, and still to get the best out of them despite of language barriers was just fabulous.
2. Most wickets in a calendar year
2005 proved to be a fruitful year for Warnie. He bagged 96 wickets which is most by an bowler in a calendar year. Even in Ashes debacle, this guy was the winner taking 40 wickets in 5 tests.
1. First bowler to take 700 test wickets
26 December 2006 was a day that no Australian can forget… The Ashes Boxing day test!! MCG was jam packed to see its legend in action for one last time. And when Warne knocked over Andrew Strauss the commentator shouted, “Got him! Wicket No.700 and they can”t catch him!!” Warne also ended up with 5fer in the same innings. Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash. What a time to call it day for Warnie!
– by Atharva Apte