As the MCG prepares to host another summer of local, national and international cricket fixtures, there is a distinct absence felt at the iconic ground that has been home to some of the most remarkable moments created by an Australian cricketing icon.
On the eve of a night of celebrations and tributes led by the Melbourne Stars to celebrate the much loved King of Spin, MCC Honorary Cricket Member, and more recently, a legend of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the MCG has unveiled the permanent Shane Warne Stand sign on the southern side of the ground.In March, following Warne’s death, the MCG’s Great Southern Stand was renamed the Shane Warne Stand – unveiled in front of thousands of fans during Warne’s State Memorial Service by his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
Nine months on, in front of an empty MCG, Warne’s children witnessed the first time the lights surrounding the permanent sign were switched on, shining bright in honour of their father across the beloved ground where on many occasions he would single handedly write another piece of cricket history off a single performance.
The sign, a prominent focal point in front of the Shane Warne Stand, reflects the scale of his legacy and the impression he left on such a vast number of people, with some lucky to have witnessed his sheer talent on display on many occasions at the ‘G.
When recalling his 700th test wicket on Boxing Day 2006 in his final Test appearance at the ground fans can easily recite where they were sat on the day, who they were with, and how they felt in that moment, the rapturous applause and crowd cheering in unison – the feeling that they had just witnessed greatness.
The Shane Warne Statue unveiled 11 years ago outside of the MCG confirmed the profound impact he had on the sporting world, joining a small and elite group of cricket legends with statues around the concourse in Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Bill Ponsford and Dennis Lillee.
The Shane Warne Stand is a further nod to his legacy and deserving place in the history of the MCG - a place where he will continue to be celebrated, with his memories to forever shine brightly.
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