Live: The world is remembering cricket’s “first rockstar” following the tragic passing of Shane Warne.
Eddie McGuire will act as master of ceremonies for Warne’s Memorial Service at the MCG on Wednesday night.
The broadcaster and close friend revealed emotions were running wild during their dress rehearsal on Tuesday evening.
“There were a couple of times where a bit of video went up and it suddenly hit me right between the eyes,” McGuire told The Today Show.
“You get into the mode of talking about these things and the family have given so much of themselves and suddenly it hits and you go, ‘He’s gone’.”
More than 50,000 are expected to gather at the MCG – the stage where Warne took his 700th Test wicket and also the ground he took a hat-trick against England – to farewell the Australian cricket legend.
The service will feature performances from global superstars such as Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran and Elton John with many more expected in attendance.
Follow all the live coverage of Shane Warne’s Memorial Service in our blog below!
Warne’s son Jackson said the MCG was the perfect place to farewell the Australian sporting icon.
“It’s very special for a lot of us, especially our family,” Jackson said.“We’ve been lucky enough to come here (to the MCG) our whole lives and watch him play and put lots of hard work in on this very ground.
“Dad always loved a crowd, putting on a performance … I think, sad day as it is, with more people here it won’t be as sad.”
The Courier Mail’s senior cricket writer Robert Craddock meanwhile has revealed Warne strongly entertained making a comeback following his retirement after Australia’s 5-0 win against England in the 2006/07 Ashes campaign.
But there was one sticking point: Cricket Australia would not allow Warne to return without playing in the Sheffield Shield competition.
“Warnie rang me up for every year after his retirement until Nathan Lyon came on to the scene and said he wanted to come back,’’ said Michael Brown, who was CA’s general manager of cricket from 2002-12.
“He was serious. We had at least 10 conversations about it. He would say ‘I am still the best spin bowler in Australia. I can do it Brownie, get me a game.’
“But I would say to play Tests he had to play Sheffield Shield cricket and he would say ‘I don’t want to play State cricket.’
“He didn’t think he didn’t need to play state cricket and he was so good he was probably right. But they were the rules. He was involved with a lot of our young spinners and did a wonderful job with them.
“He had remarkable confidence in his ability. I even saw his mum and dad at the footy and they said ‘what chance Shane making a comeback?’ and I told them he would have to play Sheffield Shield and they agreed that meant he wouldn’t do it.’’
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Craddock also revealed Warne’s former captain Ricky Ponting was convinced to take out a line in his autobiography that the King of Spin was entertaining returning, as Australia struggled to find a spinner following his retirement.
– ‘As emotional as I’ve been for a long time’ –
Australian cricket legend Mark Taylor has described the “poignant moment” during Shane Warne’s funeral that he knew he wouldn’t see the spin king ever again.
Warne’s shock death rocked the nation, as he passed away at 52 from a heart attack while on holiday with friends in Thailand.
One of Australia’s greatest sporting figures and most recognisable names, Australia and indeed many across the world were in mourning when his death was announced.
Warne’s teammates were also all in shock.
Taylor was among a number of Australian cricketing legends to attend the private service of Warne’s funeral, joining Mark Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Merv Hughes, Allan Border and Brendon Julian.
Follow all the live coverage of Shane Warne’s Memorial Service in our blog below!
Speaking to WWOS, Taylor described the heartbreaking feelings of hearing Warne’s family say goodbye to their father, husband and son.
“It was as emotional as I’ve been for a long time, seeing Warnie’s coffin and the realisation that we’re not going to see or hear from him again,” Taylor said.
“It was a poignant moment, and in a way I’m glad to have been there to say goodbye to him, so for me tonight is more about a celebration of life.
“I’ve had the chance to say my goodbyes already, so tonight is more celebratory.”
Warne will be remembered in a memorial service at the MCG, the site of his countless moments of cricketing wizardry.
McGuire will host the event.
Warne’s family have urged those who will be at the MCG to dress in their favourite cricket gear.
WHAT TIME IS SHANE WARNE’S MEMORIAL SERVICE
The service will begin at 7pm with full coverage live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
WHERE WILL IT BE HELD
Shane Warne’s memorial service will be held at the MCG in Melbourne.
A service will also be taking place at the SCG at the same time.
HOW DO I WATCH IT
The service will be streamed on Fox Sports and Kayo, but people who are not subscribed to Foxtel will also be able to watch the service live and free.
FULL PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
Warnie Ashes – from 6am (503)
Warnie ODI – from 6am (505)
Warnie Test – from 6am (506)
Fox Footy – Warne’s favourite St Kilda Matches from 6am (504)
Fox Cricket – Live Shane Warne – A Celebration from 6pm (501) FREE TO WATCH
Fox Cricket – Live Shane Warne Memorial Service from 7pm (501) FREE TO WATCH
Follow all the live coverage of Shane Warne’s Memorial Service in our blog below!