WATCH: Melbourne crowd honours Shane Warne with floppy hat tribute on Day 1 of the AUS vs IND 4th Check

In a poignant second that echoed via the enduring Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG), cricket followers gathered on December 26, to pay tribute to the late Shane Warne throughout the opening day of the fourth Check between Australia and India. At exactly 3:50 pm native time, a heartfelt ceremony unfolded, as hundreds of spectators doffed their floppy hats in unison, commemorating Warne’s legacy and his Check cap quantity 350. This touching tribute was not solely a celebration of Warne’s illustrious profession but additionally a reminder of the profound influence he had on cricket and its followers.

The custom of tribute to Shane Warne

The custom of doffing floppy hats started throughout the 2022 Boxing Day Check, shortly after Warne’s premature passing in March 2022. This 12 months, the tribute was led by Warne’s kids, Jackson and Brooke, who stood earlier than a crowd of over 80,000 followers. As they guided the viewers on this emotional gesture, a video montage showcasing Warne’s legendary moments performed on the massive display, stirring cheers and applause from the group. The MCG has turn out to be synonymous with Warne’s legacy; it was right here that he achieved lots of his profession milestones, together with his well-known hat-trick in 1994 and his 700th Check wicket in 2006.

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Right here’s the video:

Paying respect to the late nice Shane Warne ❤️#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/omw10WUPw9

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

Remembering Warne’s legacy

Warne’s affect on cricket extends past his outstanding statistics—708 Check wickets and numerous match-winning performances. His charismatic persona and distinctive enjoying model made him a beloved determine not simply in Australia however all over the world. The floppy hat grew to become his trademark, symbolizing his laid-back but fiercely aggressive spirit. The MCG stands as a testomony to his contributions, with a devoted stand named after him and a statue honouring his achievements.

The tribute at this 12 months’s Boxing Day Check was notably particular because it additionally marked an initiative to advertise coronary heart well being consciousness in partnership with the Shane Warne Legacy Basis. Well being-check stations had been arrange across the stadium, permitting followers to evaluate their well-being whereas celebrating the game they love.

Australia positive factors an higher hand on Day 1

Whereas feelings ran excessive within the stands, the on-field motion additionally delivered pleasure. Debutant Sam Konstas stole the highlight with an explosive innings of 60 runs off simply 66 balls, showcasing his expertise towards India’s formidable bowling assault led by Jasprit Bumrah. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne additionally contributed considerably to Australia’s rating as they surpassed the 200-run mark throughout their innings. Nonetheless, as day one concluded at 311/6, Australia confronted some setbacks with fast wickets falling in succession.