The state funeral of legendary spinner Shane Warne is expected to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Warne enjoyed many cricketing exploits including the historic 700th Test wicket at his home ground. According to a report in 9News, the MCG is expected to accommodate around 100,000 people to bid goodbye to the legendary spinner.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that the people of the country were “shocked” by Warne’s “tragic and sudden loss”, and announced that the cricketing hero would receive a state funeral.
“He was one of the greatest characters in our country,” Morrison said, marking the 52-year-old’s death.
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has already confirmed that she has accepted the state government’s proposal and more details will emerge in the coming days.
According to theguardian.com, Andrews said, “This will be an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to their contribution to their sport, our state and country.”
Earlier, Cricket Australia has announced that the southern stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be renamed as the SK Warne Stand.
“Great Southern Stand at MCG to be renamed SK Warne Stand,” Cricket Australia posted on Twitter.
“The government will rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG – where he took his hat-trick and 700th wicket – to honor Shane and his contributions to the game,” Andrews said on Twitter.
“The SK Warne Stand will be an enduring tribute to a wonderful Victorian.”
Warne died on Friday of a heart attack as he was found unresponsive at a luxury resort in Koh Samui, Thailand.
He was taken to the Thai International Hospital Samui at around 6:00 am (1100 GMT), but his management said “he could not be revived” despite medical efforts. The police have already declared that there was no suspicion of any wrongdoing in 52. Years of death.
He played a total of 145 Tests in a career spanning 15 years, taking 708 wickets, and was also an effective batsman with the highest Test score of 99.
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