‘Inspirations to all Australians’: Shane Warne bestowed prestigious sporting honour

The late cricket legend, Shane Warne, has joined the likes of Sir Donald Bradman and Dennis Lillee after it was announced that the King of Spin will be granted “Legend status” in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Warne was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2009 as an athlete Member and with his rise to “Legend status”, becomes the fifth Australian cricketer to achieve the prestigious honour.

The annual elevation of Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members is considered one of the highest sporting honours an Australian sports person can achieve and provides an opportunity to recognise those who have reached the highest levels of achievement in their chosen sport.

Warne will join champion distance runner Ron Clarke AO MBE in receiving the title.

145 Tests, 194 ODIs, 1,001 wickets, the first person to reach 700 Test wickets, one of 5 Wisden Cricketers of the 20th Century, the greatest of all time.
Congratulations Shane Warne; The man, the myth and now the Legend.

Read more: https://t.co/nXAlRiiWsU#SAHOF22 | #Legend pic.twitter.com/QrlEFmYeRh

— Sport Australia Hall of Fame (@sportaushof) December 4, 2022

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend and Chair John Bertrand AO said “Shane Warne and Ron Clarke are the true definition of Legends” while discussing the new titles.

“Inspirations to all Australians. We are thrilled to announce their well-deserved elevation to Legend status within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame,” Bertrand said.

“They symbolise everything that is great about sport in Australia.”

Following the announcement, fans across the globe took to social media to voice their support and celebrate Warne’s inclusion.

As if there was ever any doubt ????

The late great Shane Warne has been elevated to Legend status in the @sportaushof. Bowling, Shane ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OI5vlkqb2C

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 4, 2022

As an England fan I hated him rip through our batting time and time again, but loved the way he played, his passion and all round cricket brain. Amazing cricketer, amazing commentator but and even better person from all accounts and stories I’ve heard. Legend and icon forever.

— Arren Woodward (@ArrenWoodward) December 4, 2022

He’s already a legend.

— Mark Andrew Flair (@Markmandanici) December 4, 2022

GOAT of leg spin, an incredible degree of spin, always be remembered.

— Manesh Barukula (@Aryan1932) December 4, 2022

Well deserved – absolute legend

— Michael Keating (@themickyoshow11) December 4, 2022

The word LEGEND is bounded about everywhere in sport,But in SHANE WARNE’S case he was a TOTAL LEGEND and is genuinely missed across the world and had so much more to give to cricket.. ????????????

— Ian Smith (@IanSmit89787972) December 4, 2022

Warne’s legend status is well earned given his impressive sporting achievements on the cricket pitch throughout his professional career. He was considered one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. He played his first Test match in 1992 and took over 1,000 wickets in Tests and One-Day Internationals over the course of his career. Warne’s 708 Test wickets from 145 tests was the record for the most wickets taken by any bowler in Test cricket until 2007.

Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack recognised Shane’s incredible sporting achievements by naming him as one of its Five Cricketers of the Twentieth Century alongside fellow cricket icons Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Vivian Richards. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.

Warne’s life was tragically cut short after he died of a suspected heart attack, age 52, while holidaying on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand on March 4.

Following his sudden death, Warne’s management released a statement acknowledging the tragedy.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement said.