Shane Warne: Stars of showbiz, sports and 50,000 fans say goodbye to cricketing legend | News from around the world – News 24

Sports and showbiz stars – along with more than 50,000 spectators – will pay their respects to cricketing legend Shane Warne today at his state memorial, which will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

to warn died aged 52 of a suspected heart attack March 4 in Koh Samui. The results of an autopsy revealed that his death was due to natural causes.

The MCG is the scene of many iconic Warne bowling moments, including a hat-trick against England in 1994 and his 700th Test wicket on Boxing Day in 2006.

Read more: The world of cricket will be a little duller after the death of the leg-spinning legend who lived his life to the fullest

Musicians Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin will send in video contributions, while former England captain Nasser Hussain traveled to Melbourne to pay his respects in person.

« Only about a month ago we were chatting with him on The Cricket Show and he was as usual, larger than life, » Hussain said. “He was so happy, so professional, and he was talking with Rob Key and I and having fun. It’s amazing how life really makes you. »

He described Warne as « absolutely the best cricketer I have ever seen and a great friend over the past decade ».

Other guests on the star-studded affair will include Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Kylie Minogue. They will be joined by politicians including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews.

The South Grand Stand of the ground will also be renamed in Warne’s honour.

The family attended a private funeral

He comes after his family attended a private funeral in his hometown of Melbourne March 20th.

Warne’s three children, relatives and friends – including retired Test captains Mark Taylor and Allan Border and former England skipper Michael Vaughan – were among some 80 guests at the service.

to warnconsidered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, retired from international cricket in 2007 after a distinguished career in which he won 708 Test wickets in 145 matches.

He won the 1999 World Cup aged 50 and claimed 293 dismissals in 194 one-day internationals between 1993 and 2004.

Warne retired from international cricket in 2007 and continued to play Twenty20 franchise cricket until 2013.

After retiring, the spinner worked as a cricket commentator and in various coaching roles, including with the London Spirit on the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021.

Sky Sports will show live coverage from the State Memorial Service, with a host of tributes from sports and showbiz stars. Watch live Wednesday from 8am on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports World Cup.