Warne to be given a fitting tribute on boxing day by Cricket Australia in the Melbourne Test against South Africa

Shane Warne (Source: Twitter)

When Shane Warne said goodbye to the world, everyone was shocked and couldn’t believe what happened. Now, to honour and give a fitting tribute to the legend of Warne, Australian and South African players will don the iconic floppy hat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when the national anthems are played.

Cricket Australia have talked about the long line of tributes that will be given in honour of Warne. 350, his Test cap number, will be painted square of the wicket during the span of the game. At 3:50 PM, the entire MCG will see a visual of Warne put out and a highlights compilation will be played across the match.

The fans will be urged to put on the floppy hat and Warne’s trademark Zinc cream when they will come out in huge numbers to attend the second Test which will be held at the MCG. "Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game," CA chief executive Nick Hockley said. "His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured.

It is fitting to honour Shane Warne on boxing day - Nick Hockley

"Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG. I know I speak for the whole cricket community in saying that our thoughts continue to be with Shane's family and friends and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer."

Warne was given a fitting tribute by his club in the Big Bash League the Melbourne Stars a week before where his jersey number 23 was honoured. Warne was the second-highest all-time wicket-taker in Test cricket with 708 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls. He is also famously known in Test cricket for the ball of the century.

That ball bamboozled Mike Gatting and stunned him. He has also had a wonderful fan base in India and was a fan favourite when he played for Australia and also when he mentored and played for the Rajasthan Franchise in the Indian T20 League.