A big of moving tributes volition wage homage to Shane Warne connected time 1 of the Boxing Day Test arsenic the longest signifier of the crippled returns to the MCG for the archetypal clip since the cricket legend's death.
The larger-than-life rotation king from Melbourne rocked the MCG crossed the 1990s and 2000s, tormenting batters and producing immoderate of his astir memorable achievements astatine the venue, including his Test hat-trick and 700th Test wicket.
In a stirring pre-match ceremony, the Australian and South African teams volition locomotion past a plinth featuring a shot and floppy chapeau — a beloved manner point of the 145-Test large — and the players volition deterioration achromatic wide-brim hats arsenic the nationalist anthems are performed.
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Warne's Test headdress number, 350, volition besides beryllium painted quadrate of the wicket for the duration of the match, and a graphic and highlights bundle of Australia's top wicket-taker volition look connected the large surface astatine 3.50pm connected Boxing Day.
"Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game," said Cricket Australia main enforcement Nick Hockley.
"His spot arsenic a fable of Australian and satellite athletics is assured.
"Whilst we proceed to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane astatine his beloved Boxing Day Test astatine the MCG.
"Shane became recognisable not lone done his genius and mastery of the creation of limb spin, but besides his floppy chapeau and zinc, truthful we promote fans to retrieve Shane by wearing their ain floppy chapeau and zinc to time 1 of the Boxing Day Test.
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"I cognize I talk for the full cricket assemblage successful saying that our thoughts proceed to beryllium with Shane's household and friends, and peculiarly his children: Brooke, Jackson and Summer."
Three weeks aft Warne died of a bosom onslaught astatine the property of 52 successful aboriginal March, an unthinkable memorial work was held astatine the MCG.
Global superstars specified arsenic Robbie Williams, Elton John and Ed Sheeran performed, and high-profile radical from a wide scope of industries were successful attendance, including Brian Lara, Allan Border, Molly Meldrum, Dannii Minogue and Scott Morrison.
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