Tributes to Warne
The great and good of the cricket world have paid tribute to Shane Warne since the legendary Australian leg-spinner announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the Ashes series.
Here ecb.co.uk looks at what key figures associated with the game have said about the iconic bowler who is just one wicket short of 700 Test dismissals.
John Howard, Australia’s Prime Minister
"The greatest single thing he did was after a long period of time when fast bowlers dominated the scene was to revive the ancient art of leg spin bowling and for those who love cricket, that was an enormous contribution in itself.”
John Buchanan, Australia coach
“Surely when you lose one of your great players it does mean that you have to rethink and relook at your team and balance, the way you want to play your game, no doubt.
“Certainly from a selection point of view looking at the future, that will now be a huge void that will take maybe generations to fill.”
Terry Jenner, former Australia spinner
“He just has that capacity, unlike any other wrist spinner we've seen, to put the ball in the danger area ball after ball after ball.”
“His special talent has been to spin the ball and at the same time be accurate.”
David Boon, former Australia batsman
"I've always found him to be a very loyal friend, a great team-mate when I played and one of the most caring and generous people that I've ever played with."
Jason Gillespie, Australia fast bowler
“I think he'd be just about the best player that's ever played cricket.
“He's played near on 15-plus years and played against every opposition and dominated every opposition and won so much within the team environment.
“It'd be a good argument as to who's the best player ever, and he'd be right up there for sure.”
Sir Richard Hadlee, former New Zealand all-rounder
“A lot of batsmen in world cricket will be delighted to learn he's leaving the game but I think the game will be poorer without him.
“He has been a match-winner, flamboyant and just incredible to watch. I've admired his skills over a long period of time.
“Most champions are controversial in one way or another but on the field his skill has been quite remarkable. The leg-spin delivery is the hardest ball to bowl in cricket.”
Phil Tufnell, former England spinner
“Spin bowling was a bit of a dying art until he came along.”
“He’s been a fantastic cricketer and a fantastic person for Australian sport.
“In all aspects of his game, he’s been top drawer.
“He thoroughly deserves a rest because he has bowled a few overs in that time.
“He’s a performer and an entertainer as well. When he turns up to play cricket, it’s a potential crackerjack delivery every time he bowls.”
Paul Collingwood, England batsman
“The guy is literally a legend.
“That’s probably an over-used term but in cricketing terms he is the ultimate legend - he’s probably the best bowler there has ever been on this planet.
“It’s great to face him on the field and it’s a massive challenge because he’s always in your ear and the balls that come down are great to face, it’s what you play the game for.”
Geoff Lawson, former Australia seam bowler
“Without Shane Warne, Australia would not be 3-0 up in the series. They might have won one but they wouldn’t have won in Adelaide or Perth without him and if he’s going to go out then I suppose it’s best to go out on a high.
“There will be a lot of disappointed fans around the world, but there won’t be too many disappointed opposing batsmen.”
Shuan Udal, England spin bowler
“He is a magnificent person and cricketer, certainly the best spinner the world has produced.
“I’m not surprised at the timing. I think he wants to go out when he is at the top.
“He will be remembered as, undoubtedly, one of the all-time great cricketers, if not the greatest.
“He wanted to hang on to regain the Ashes. He’s done that and that was a big goal of his. He is back to his best and he feels now is the right time to go out.”
Mark Taylor, Former Australia captain
“He’s unique - there is talk of McGrath retiring in the near future but Warney will leave a big hole because he does something no-one else can do.
“We’ve been very lucky to have him play for us and there is no doubt in my mind he has won many Tests on his own either through taking wickets or keeping the pressure on.
“Australia will sorely miss him. With Warney out of the team, I believe we will move back towards the pack. I still believe Australia can be number one but without Warney it’s going to be much harder.”
Graham Thorpe, former England batsman
“Shane's great strength has always been his sheer accuracy which is uncanny for a leggie, who are usually expensive.
“He remains a student of the game and to his credit kept on developing throughout his entire career.
“We will all remember Shane for his great showmanship, and a little bit of gamesmanship, which allowed him to maintain his hold over so many batsmen.
“He has been one guy who talks the talk and walks the walk and is so perceptive in working out how batsmen play.”
Ritchie Benaud, former Australia captain
“In the space of a short time, he's turned the game upside down, changed it in concept. I think there's going to be a big gap.”
Merv Hughes, former Australia fast-bowler
“Whatever you say about Shane Warne it isn't enough. Most people go through a purple patch and Shane Warne has had a purple patch for 15 of 16 years.”
Tony Greig, former England captain
“Sadly, for those of us who love cricket and watch cricket, the day has come and it is a sad day.”
Mike Gatting, former England captain
“Like Ian Botham, he has worked hard and he has played hard. We may not see his like again.”
Allan Border, former Australia captain
“There was something special about him, right from the word go.”
