I was preparing to write about the great Rodney Marsh, who passed away two days ago. The ace Australian wicket -keeper who kept wickets for Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson, two of the most feared bowlers of the 70s and 80s, was a class apart and played a crucial role in the success of Australia and the two fearsome fast bowlers. I had barely started writing, when another news came through. Shane Warne had died at 52. It was so unbelievable, such a bolt from the blue as they say. One of the greatest cricketers ever to have played the game had passed away at a time when he could still have given a lot to the game. Cricket, the followers of the sport and millions of fans of Shane Warne are going to feel hollow for some time. Tragic isn’t it.
Post India’s Chandrashekhar and Pakistan’s Abdul Qadir, the leg Spin was virtually nearing extinction and Shane Warne has to be credited with reviving the art of Leg Spin Bowling. The burly lad from the outskirts of Melbourne made his debut at the age of 22 in Jan 1992 against India at Sydney. The debut was a forgetful one, where the Indian batters and Ravi Shastri in particular took Shane Warne to the cleaners. But the young lad had lot of spunk, a big heart and some exceptional talent to boost. Cricket Australia despite some rather lacklustre performances in his early days, held on to Shane Warne. The great spinner repaid the faith by way of tons of wickets, victories for Australia, Ashes domination, World Cup Titles and a cricketing legacy which Australia should be proud of.
Shane was not just about bowling skills (which could be seen from the ball of the century which he bowled to castle Mike Gatting and his exploits in the riveting 2007 World Semi Final and Final),he was a complete cricketer, with an excellent temperament and thinking abilities, a great slip fielder and a decent bat as well. His presence on the field brought in energy and grit. His leadership skills were always on display and the way he led the Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural IPL in 2008 is proof enough.
Shane Warne may have courted controversies on and off the field, but as a Cricketer he was simply brilliant and one of his kind. He has inspired and motivated bowlers across the world. His record of 708 wickets in 145 Test Matches for Australia makes him the greatest Australian bowler of all times and surely one of the greatest in the world ever. His records would take a monumental effort to eclipse and I see no one really challenging his record for some time to come.
The short run up with just a few strides and an easy smooth action is how Warne played his game. He made leg spin bowling “ cool “. He brought an amazing attitude towards bowling and cricket, wrapped in his steely determination and an unassailable competitive spirit. Shane, the Wizard had the world in his spin. He had the ability to surprise and so did he by passing away just a bit too soon.
The wizard has made the final disappearing act.