Australia players to wear floppy hats in Shane Warne tribute at Boxing Day Test

Australia and South Africa players will wear floppy hats during the national anthems for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in tribute to the late Shane Warne.

Warne, considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, died earlier this year at the age of 52.

Cricket Australia plan to pay tribute to the spin bowling legend in the first Test match at Warne’s home ground since his death.

They say the first day of the second Test between Australia and South Africa will acknowledge ‘the significance of the MCG in Shane Warne’s career and life’.

Warne’s floppy hat and a ball will be placed on a plinth which both teams will walk past before the first ball is bowled.

Warne’s Test cap number 350 will also be painted on the outfield for the duration of the match, while the stadium’s big screen will show a graphic of the bowler and a highlights package of his career at 3.50pm on day one.

Warne enjoyed plenty of special moments at the MCG, including his Ashes hat-trick in 1994 and his 700th Test wicket in 2006.

‘Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game,’ said Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley.

‘His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured. Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG.’

A memorial service for Warne was held at the MCG in March, where tens of thousands gathered to remember one of cricket’s greatest players and characters.

Australia will look to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series against South Africa in Melbourne, having beaten the Proteas by six wickets inside two days in Brisbane last week.

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