The cover of the book

The year was 1996, and a place in the world cup finals was at stake. That’s when I first saw him in action. It was a recorded game from the night before between Australia and West Indies and now it has been etched into my memory. Clad in the green and gold of Australia, with white chalk over his nose and lips, and “Warne” inscribed on the back of his shirt — he bamboozled the West Indian batsmen that day with a four-for. The first of which was an exquisite caught and bowled — a catch that I can vividly picture in my head to this day.

This was the first time I got to see the legend in action. For many, Shane Warne had announced his arrival in international cricket with his — what is now known as the “Ball of the century” back in 1993. He absolutely bamboozled Mike Gatting with a ball pitching way down the leg side, which went on to spin and take the top of the off. I remember watching him do something similar to Andrew Strauss in 2005 — this time though bowling to a left-hander who tried to pad him away only to have his stumps broken.

Growing up I have loved the game of cricket and have followed it passionately through and through. And everyone who knew me back then know how much I loved Aussie cricket and loved to idolize the likes of Warne and Mark Waugh. And so this news of the passing of the cricketing legend — Shane Warne, evokes so many emotions. I am saddened by the sudden passing of this champion leg spinner. In many ways, it reminds me of my own mortality and how life is passing away right before my eyes. One moment, here I was — a kid, trying to emulate and copy this hero of mine on the cricketing field, and the next, in a blink of an eye — here we are.

That slow-walking run-up to the stumps and a gentle striding jump to the popping crease — what followed was a snorter of a delivery. Those legendary battles with the Little master “Tendulkar” at Sharjah, and the 1999 world cup semis against South Africa. All these moments are gushing up in my head.

There’s one memory though that’s sticking out from the rest, a memory that was submerged so deep down in my consciousness that I did not until now even realize this image still existed. I remember reading this book back in 1997, and look who’s graced the cover — Shane Warne.

Rest in Peace Legend — and thank you for so many memories.