Sri Lanka vs Australia: Sri Lanka Cricket To Dedicate First Test In Galle In Memory Of Shane Warne

Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to dedicate the upcoming first Test against Australia in memory of late Shane Warne. Sri Lankans will stand to attention in a fitting salute to all-time cricketing great spin wizard when the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia gets underway on June 29 at the Galle International Stadium. Warner had died prematurely at the age of 53 of a suspected heart attack on March 4 this year in Thailand.

“The Sri Lankan cricket establishment’s gesture is one of recognising Warne as a true friend of Sri Lanka who came to the country’s aid during the 2004 Tsunami devastation by personally flying over and visiting affected areas and making generous donations especially to homeless cricketers families,” SLC stated in an official release.

Galle was the venue where the Australian great became the first bowler in test cricket history to take 500 wickets. Therein, this June 29 will surely evoke moving memories of Shane Warne, the unrelenting cricketing warrior in the middle who gave no quarter nor asked for any, but who proved to be a true friend to his adversaries off the field in time of distress.

Indeed Warne, by his magnanimous act did signify that the game of cricket transcended beyond the boundaries of competition. It has been recognised by Sri Lanka Cricket by its decision to pay tribute to Warne posthumously by dedicating the Galle test in memory of the great.

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Born Shane Keith Warne on September 13, 1969, the Australian went on to turn the art of spin bowling on its head by taking it to a new level.

Among his most famous wicket taking deliveries was the arm ball that stood him out. He claimed a record 708 Test wickets from 145 appearances and 293 ODI wickets from 194 games. Warne is also remembered as perhaps the most colourful personality the game has produced by his outgoing approach and his endearing chuckle and big grin.