Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said the nation was puzzled by the sad and sudden loss of Shane Warne and announced the cricket legend would be given a state funeral.
“In recognition of Warne’s national accomplishments, his family will be offered a state funeral,” Morrison said in a statement.
“This will be done in consultation with the Warne family,” he said, promising to make sure we honor Shane’s passing and memory.”
A statement from the family on Friday said SHane Warne died of a suspected heart attack and doctors tried unsuccessfully to revive him.
The Great Southern Stand at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) is also being renamed in honor of Warne, with Martin Pakula, Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Sport, making the announcement on Saturday morning after consultation with Victoria’s Prime Minister Daniel Andrews and the Chair of the MCC Trust, Steve Bracks, and MCC CEO Stuart Fox.
“We will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the SK Warne Stand and will do so as soon as possible,” said Pakula.
“I can’t think of a finer tribute to the greatest cricketer this state has produced than renaming the stand the SK Warne Stand and whatever happens to this stand in the future, whether it’s remodeled, refurbished or refurbished, he will remain the SK
“Warne stands forever because his legend will live forever.” Warne had won his 700th Test wicket and also grabbed an Ashes hat-trick at the MCG and there is already a statue of the legend off the ground.
As a tribute to Warne, people gathered around his statue offering flowers, cricket balls, beer, cake and cigarettes in tribute to his flamboyant lifestyle and cricket genius.
Cricket Victoria also plans to potentially rename a stand at Junction Oval in honor of Warne.
Praising the spin legend, PM Morrison said: “He was one of our nation’s greatest characters. His humor, passion, irreverence and approachability made him loved by everyone.”
“There was no one like Shane. He lived his life his way. He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He wore them all the same way,” Morrison said.
“With a cheeky smile and joie de vivre. There was something magical he brought to our summers. The bleached blonde hair, the almost nonchalant way he moved to send the delivery downstairs, and his dedication to the crowd. He was kind of one of them.”
“He inspired so many girls and boys to try cricket. He made everything look so easy. At one point, in most Australian backyards, we’ve all tried to deliver a fin. Our love and condolences go out to Shane’s family and especially his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”
Warne’s sudden death has shocked the cricket fraternity around the world with players past and present left speechless and devastated by the tragedy.
An iconic name in international cricket, Warne has played 145 Tests for Australia since making his debut in 1992, clinching 708 wickets on his leg spin. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne has caught 293 scalps.
