In March, the cricketing world lost an icon in Shane Warne at only 52 years of age. A career spanning 15 years from 1992 to 2007, Warne tormented, foxed, and outthought batsmen with astounding relentlessness en route to becoming the greatest spinner in cricket.
Overall, Warne represented Australia in 145 tests, taking 708 wickets at an average of 25.42, including 37 five-wicket hauls and 48 four-wicket hauls.
Whilst his career at Test level is the one people marvel the most, he also had a terrific One-Day career. Playing 194 matches and taking 293 wickets, he was an integral part of the side, including the victorious 1999 World Cup where he took 4/33 in the final against Pakistan.
All his incredible achievements would lead to his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Here are five dazzling moments in Shane Warne's glorious career.
1. Ball of the Century against England at Old Trafford 1993
Yes, the ball that still gets a runaround in cricket conversations. Dubbed "The Ball of the Century", Shane Warne's bamboozler to seasoned batsman Mike Gatting is arguably the greatest delivery ever in the game's history. To make the moment more spectacular is the fact it would be his maiden ball on English soil.
Tossing the ball between middle and leg, Gatting was sure he would comfortably defend the ball back to Warne. Only then for the sudden realisation of the ball spinning past his outside edge and clattering onto the stumps. After his dismissal, Gatting looked down the pitch in absolute disbelief not knowing what had just occurred.
Even the English couldn't believe their eyes. You could hear a pin drop inside Old Trafford.
In an interview with cricket.com.au in 2013, Warne credited captain Allan Border in keeping faith in him despite not yielding the results.
Gatting, one of the greatest batsmen against spin bowling said the team hadn't seen much of Warne, apart from a couple of tests against India and the West Indies. The moment would be a career changer for Warne, finishing the series with 34 wickets in Australia's 4-1 series win, whilst beginning his torment on England for the next 14 years.
