Shane Warne has been posthumously elevated to ‘Legend’ status in the Sports Australia Hall of Fame.
There’s perhaps no better tribute to the late, great King of Spin, who joins elite company as just the fifth cricketer.
Legend status is the highest category, defined as sportspeople whose achievements “are considered part of Australian folklore”, with Warne joining Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud and Dennis Lillee as those to don the Baggy Green as HoF legends.
Since 1993, only 44 sportspeople have been honoured in this way.
It was far from everything Warne did in cricket, but the best leg spinner of all time took 708 Test wickets across 145 matches, at a sharp average of 25.41. He also claimed nearly 300 ODI wickets and became something of a T20 phenom in his later player days.
Why now? While the Victorian passed away in March earlier this year, it’s unrelated to that shocking and tragic event. Members of the Sports Australia Hall of Fame must be retired for at least 15 years before consideration for elevation. Warne becomes a Legend at the earliest possible opportunity.
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“Shane Warne and Ron Clarke are the true definition of Legends,” fellow Legend and chair of the Hall of Fame John Bertrand announced.
“They symbolise everything that is great about sport in Australia.”
Seven Network will broadcast the induction on Thursday evening; hosted by the one and only Bruce McAvaney. It’ll feature interviews with Border and Shane’s father Keith.
Some of the more recent Legend inductees include Ian Thorpe, Susie O’Neill, John Eales, Louise Sauvage, Wally Lewis and Cathy Freeman.
Full Legends list: HERE
Full Hall of Fame list: HERE
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