MCG to host memorial service for cricket legend Shane Warne

Warne died suddenly at the age of 52 on Friday March 4, and it has been announced that a state memorial will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30.

The MCG is an appropriate venue as this is where some of Warne’s best moments in cricket took place. This includes his famous hat-trick against England in 1994 and his 700th wicket, which he took against the same opponents 12 years later.

Warne started playing cricket for the Victorians too and the authorities have announced that the southern stand of the MCG will be renamed SK Warne Stand in tribute.

The Premier of Victoria, Dan Andrews, tweeted that there is no place more appropriate to bid farewell to ‘Warnie’. He also said there will be no limit on crowd numbers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on that day, which holds a capacity of 100,000 people.

As well as tickets being sold to mourners, there will also be live streaming of the event for those who won’t be able to attend in person.

Andrews further tweeted that it will be a big event, saying it will reflect the grandeur of his life.

Fans have poured their hearts out for their beloved Warne and the MCG has become the epicentre of their tributes.

Warne’s fans have been coming down with flowers, photographs, and even beer as a sign of remembrance.

Meanwhile, Warne's parents have mentioned that without his presence, their lives will be "inconceivable".

In addition to this public event, a private event will also be conducted by Warne's family members and his closest friends. Warne was a right-arm leg spinner or leg break googly.

He made his international debut in 1992 against India and ever since he has had a titan of a career.

Warne was the first player to have taken over 700 Test wickets and by the time of his retirement in 2007, he took a whopping 1000 wickets in the combined format (Test and ODI) of first-class cricket.