From Ball Of The Century To Doping Scandal: Here Are Some Highs & Lows From Shane Warne's Life

Shane Warne Life Facts: Here are some of the lesser-known, yet interesting facts about Shane Warne, who passed away on Friday.

Image: AFP

Shane Warne, the spin legend passed away on Friday at the age of 52. His life will be cherished by millions of cricket fans, not just in Australia, but also around the world. 

Shane Warne picked up 708 wickets in 145 Test matches that he played for Australia. He also has 293 ODI wickets against his name in 194 matches. Warne also led Rajasthan Royals to an IPL win in its inaugural season. 

Here are some of the interesting facts from Shane Warne's life:

Birth: September 13, 1969 in Melbourne

Credentials: Right-arm leg-spin bowler, right-hand batsman

Teams played: Australia, Victoria, Hampshire, Rajasthan Royals

Tests: 145

Wickets: 708

Five-wicket hauls: 37

Runs: 3,154 at an average of 17.32

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ODI: 194

Wickets: 293

Five-wicket hauls: 1

Average: 25.73

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- Shane Warne was named in Wisden's five best players of the 20th century.

- Warne is credited for revitalising the art of leg-spin. Sunil Gavaskar even said, "Shane Warne was a magician. Everyone knows Leg Spin because of him".

- The first player to pick up 700 Test wickets. (Eventually he was surpassed by Muttiah Muralitharan)

- Was picked for the 1993-94 Ashes tour where he became the first man in 90 years to pick up an Ashes hattrick. He also bowled the "Ball of the Century" on this tour. 

Here Is The Ball Of The Century To Dismiss Mike Gatting:

- Was fine by Cricket Australia for admitting of taking money from an Indian bookie for providing information about pitches and weather.

- In 1999, he made his return to cricket and was the man of the match in the World Cup Final against Australia. 

- Lost the vice-captaincy after surpassing Denis Lillee's record for sending "lewd messages" to a nurse.

- Was banned for 12 months before the 2003 World Cup as he failed a drug test. 

- Separated from his wife in 2005 following reports of adultery. 

- Ended the year 2005 with 96 Test wickets surpassing Denis Lillee's tally of 85 wickets in a calendar year. He also took 40 wickets in the 2005 Ashes series. 

- Shane Warne ended his Test career with most runs as a batsman without scoring a hundred - 3,154.

- Picked up 700 Test wickets in his 708th Test. 

- He also led Rajasthan Royals to an IPL victory in the first season of the cash-rich tournament. No one expected the underdogs Rajasthan to win the IPL.

- Rohit Sharma was Shane Warne's last wicket in professional cricket that he took in 2011 IPL.

- Shane Warne became a successful commentator and worked in the broadcast business till he passed away in March 2022.