Cricket Australia to honour Shane Warne’s memory at the Boxing Day Test match against South Africa

Australian and South African cricketers will all wear floppy hats during the national anthems at the Boxing Day Test in tribute to cricket icon Shane Warne. South Africa will look to win the boxing day Test so that they can level the three-match test series, whereas the Australian side will look to seize the series

The first MCG Test after Warne’s tragic death in March at the age of 52 was always going to be a difficult event, and Cricket Australia has already announced the tributes that will be given in his honour.

Shane Warne honoured at Big Bash League

In his impressive career, Warne made the Boxing Day Test his own. His highlights include his MCG Ashes hat trick in 1994 and claiming his 700th wicket there 12 years later. He will now take centre stage once more.

His Test cap number, 350, will be painted square of the wicket for the duration of the match. On Boxing Day at 3.50 p.m., a graphic of Warne will appear on the MCG screens, and throughout the game, highlights of the well-known Victorian will be shown.

When attending the second Test of the series, fans are urged to wear a floppy hat and Warne’s signature zinc cream.

“Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game. His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured,” Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said.

“Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

“I know I speak for the whole cricket community in saying that our thoughts continue to be with Shane’s family and friends and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”

The Melbourne Stars, Warne’s previous Big Bash League team, honoured him last week during a game at the MCG. More than 50,000 people came to the stadium in March for a memorial service to say goodbye to Warne.