On a bright and emotional day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground over 93,000 fans united to honour the late Shane Warne during the 2025 Boxing Day Test.
At exactly 3:50 pm – a specific time chosen to represent Warne’s Test cap number 350 – the stadium fell into a respectful hush.
Spectators and former legends like Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan and Ian Botham rose to tip their floppy hats in unison toward the Great Southern Stand now bearing his name.
Standing near his father’s bronze statue, Jackson Warne reflected on the overwhelming outpouring of love for the spin king. He shared his feelings by saying:
“I feel like every single day I’m in this whirlwind or tornado every day. Everywhere I go, it’s just ‘Dad, Dad, Dad’.”
He added that such events serve as a powerful reminder of his father’s impact, noting, “It just reminds me how many people love Dad. That’s why the numbers are so high.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised the legend’s lasting spirit before play began, stating:
“Shane gave so much to the game and brought a lot of joy to fans around the world and we are pleased to honour his legacy at his home ground.”
This daily ritual of tipping the hat will continue throughout the Test match ensuring the “King of Spin” remains the heart of the Boxing Day tradition.
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