Tip your hat and test your heart: MCG to pay tribute to Warnie with free health checks

In a heartfelt tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne, the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will not only witness cricketing action between Australia and Pakistan but also offer a unique opportunity for fans to prioritise their heart health.

The initiative, jointly launched by Cricket Australia and the Shane Warne Legacy (SWL), aims to commemorate the late Victorian and Australian cricket icon while raising awareness about the importance of heart health.

From the first to the fourth day of the NRMA Insurance Test, 23 medical-grade health stations will be strategically placed in and around the iconic MCG. Fans are warmly encouraged to ‘tip their hat’ to Warnie while taking advantage of the free four-minute heart test, emphasising the need for regular health check-ups.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Shane Warne Legacy for an initiative that will significantly raise awareness about the importance of heart health,” Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley said.

“Shane is greatly missed here in Australia and around the world, and we are grateful to the Shane Warne Legacy and the Warne family in partnering with us to help make a positive difference in his honour.

“I encourage everyone to come along to the NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test and take part in the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Tests and to always seek the advice of your medical professional on this and other health issues.”

Pay tribute to the king with your floppy hat, a trip to the ‘G and a free Shane Warne Legacy heart test at this year’s Boxing Day Test 💚💛

The four-minute checks, provided by SiSU Health, will be available at 23 stations in and around the MCG on days 1-4 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1m8gbEdBmJ

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 11, 2023

Individuals with elevated blood pressure or other risk factors will be advised to seek guidance from their general practitioner regarding a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check if they are 45 years or older (or 30 years and older for First Nations People).

SWL Chief Executive Helen Nolan expressed delight in announcing the partnership with Cricket Australia.

“This partnership holds immense significance for us and the entire Warne family,” Nolan said.

“It provides a special gathering place at the iconic MCG, allowing cricket enthusiasts and the broader public to come together and honour Shane during one of his favourite weeks of the year – on the grounds he often fondly referred to as his ‘office’.

“Through our partnership with Cricket Australia, we not only create a space to get a free ‘Shane Warne Legacy heart test’ but also offer the broader public an opportunity to come together, reflect on Shane’s life, acknowledge the significance he held for each individual, and collectively pay respect to him.

“Shane would have encouraged everyone to ‘have a crack’ and complete this simple screening and awareness test. Who knows, it could help save your life.”