This year will see a new spin on the iconic Boxing Day Test, with the Australia vs. South Africa fixture set to honour the legacy of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne at the MCG.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulous joined Cricket Australia Chairperson Dr Lachlan Henderson at the iconic ground today to encourage fans to honour Warnie by wearing a floppy hat and zinc on Day 1 of the Test, a look Warne often donned on the field.
Dubbed the King of Spin, Shane Warne was a born and bred Victorian sporting legend who made the Boxing Day Test his own, highlighted by his MCG Ashes hat-trick in 1994 and taking his 700th wicket at the ground 12 years later.
The Test will provide an opportunity for fans to honour the legend who gave so much joy to cricket fans around the globe. Planned tributes to his achievements and impact on cricket on Day 1 will include:
- The Australian and South African teams paying their respects to Warne at the national anthem ceremony, and also wearing a floppy hat at the ceremony
- The ceremony will acknowledge the significance of the MCG in his career and life, with Warne's floppy hat and a ball featured on a plinth on the teams' path to the ceremony
- Warne's Test cap number 350 to be painted square of the wicket for the duration of the Test match
- At 3.50pm on Boxing Day a graphic of Warne will be displayed on the big screen
- A special highlights package paying tribute to Warne's outstanding career will also play across the MCG's screens and on broadcast.
The Boxing Day Test is a highlight in a bumper summer of cricket in Victoria that includes Big Bash fixtures at the MCG, Marvel, Junction Oval and GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park featuring the best of the BBL including Melbourne's own Stars and Renegades.
Tickets are still available tickets for the Boxing Day Test via Ticketek.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Shane Warne was a local legend and it's fitting for fans to finish the year on a high by celebrating the achievements of a home-grown legend at this iconic event, while revelling in cricket at its best in the nations sporting capital."
"The Boxing Day Test kicks off the start of a spectacular summer of international sporting events in Victoria, showcasing our state to audiences across the globe while boosting local tourism and local jobs."
As stated by Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley
"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. Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG."
"Shane became recognisable not only through his genius and mastery of the art of leg spin, but also his floppy hat and zinc, so we encourage fans to remember Shane by wearing their own floppy hat and zinc to Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test."
