Scott Morrison the Australian Prime Minister has made a announcement on Saturday that the Great spin legend Warne will receive a state funeral. In honour of Warne’s “national achievements his family will be offered a state funeral”.
Praising the spin legend, PM Morrison said: “He was one of our nation’s greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all.”
“There was none like Shane. He lived his life his way. He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He carried them all the same way,” Morrison said.
While the Great Southern Stand at the MCG will be renamed in honour of Shane Warne. Further Martin Pakula (Victoria’s minister for tourism and sport) stated that “We will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne stand and we’ll be doing that as soon as we possibly can. I can think of no finer tribute to the greatest cricketer this state has produced than to rename the stand the S.K. Warne stand and no matter whatever happens to that stand in the future whether it’s rebuilt, refurbished, renovated”.
Warne, one of the all-time great legend of cricket, died at the age of 52 due to a heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand on Friday.
Warne, who was born in the Melbourne, leaves behind daughters Brooke, 24, and Summer, 20, and son Jackson, 22.
He played 145 Tests over a 15-years career, taking 708 wickets, and was also a perfect lower-order batsman, with a highest Test score of 99. Also, In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne dismissed 293 batters.
On 2 Jan 1992, Shane Warne played his first match for Australia.