It was April 1998, semifinals between India and Australia started amidst huge roar from the media about a fierce battle between Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne. I was oblivious of the fact that Share Warne is an exceptional bowler because it was only two years since I started watching cricket. I only knew how great Tendulkar is because of his incredible fame attributed maximum to his performance in 1996 World Cup. The competition between these two greats didn’t get into my 13-year-old brain, all I remember from that match is Sachin’s complete domination in tearing into Australian bowlers. Sachin dancing down the pitch to hit Shane Warne into the stand is vividly remembered by millions of cricket fans.
A couple of years focus on cricket after Sharjah cup 1998 is what it took me to grasp how Shane Warne personifies an exceptional talent. No bowler in the cricketing world could come close to him in terms of the ball turning angle and the number of feet the ball turns from the pitching line. Due to the number of turning pitches and weather conditions, sub-continent produces a greater number of quality spinners compared to any other cricketing nation. But Shane Warne’s first ball in test cricket, which is considered as the Ball of the Century, shocked the cricket fraternity and fans. Mike Gatting couldn’t believe his eyes to see a ball pitching outside his legs hitting the off stump. All he could do is standing at the crease surprised and leave to the pavilion with his eyebrows raised. I am sure, he would have replayed the wicket taking delivery many times to acknowledge the greatness of the bowler. That same ball has alerted the cricket fraternity to start manufacturing the golden letters S, H, A, N, E, W, A, R, N, E which were to be written in the cricket history books.
Here is a glimpse of how he has shattered the wickets!
Though I like the highest test wicket taker Muttaiah Muralitharan, I rate Warne ahead of him because of two reasons. One, controlling the ball in leg spin is very difficult compared to that off spin but Warne could do that with utmost precision. Two, Muralitharan has around 600, which is 75% out of his 800 wickets on spin friendly sub-continent pitches whereas Shane Warne has only 55% of 708 wickets on those pitches and the rest 45% on bouncy and pace friendly pitches. I am not taking any credit from what Muralitharan has achieved but when it comes to voting for the best spinner in the world, I will be inclined towards Warne. He used to carry the aggression and slightly headstrong attitude which Australian cricket is known for during 80’s and 90’s but when it comes to the talent everyone must bow down.
The cricketer turned commentator has provided enough analysis to enlighten cricket lovers on certain strategic aspects of the game. No one has expected this legend’s role in being the guiding light for the upcoming spinners would be ephemeral. The news of his sudden death is a shock to the entire world and a great loss to the current and prospective cricketers.
The legend lives in our hearts forever!
