A touching tribute to the late great Shane Warne by cricket fans in Galle has been praised by the champion leg-spinner’s family.
One of the most iconic players of all time, Warne, who died of a heart attack in Thailand nearly three years ago, was particularly beloved in Sri Lanka, where he teamed up with fellow champion spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in 2005 to help raise $1 million in relief aid following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, including to rebuild Galle’s cricket stadium.
Visiting the devastated region, Warne greeted locals and taught children the art of leg-spin bowling.
More than 20 years on, the legend’s influence on the region was encapsulated by a sign on the famous Galle Fort that forms part of the stadium, renamed for the day as the ‘Shane Warne Stand’ in tribute to the stand at the MCG named in his honour.
The sign was moved on Day 2 to the western side of the ground.
Warne’s son Jackson took to Instagram to thank the fans for the touching gesture, saying his father ‘would be so happy’.
“This is a sign in honour of dad that the Sri Lankans have made for the Australia vs Sri Lanka Test,” Warne said.
“Just wanted to share it with you guys because I think it’s awesome.
“So thank you to the Sri Lankans that have done this, it looks amazing.
“If you notice as well, the colours are actually red, white and black, which is the colours of the [Shane Warne] Legacy and also the colours of St Kilda Football Club.
“So shout out to you guys, it looks awesome and dad would be so happy.”
Warne’s 37 Test wickets are the most by an Australian in Sri Lanka, though Nathan Lyon, currently on 36, is set to surpass him this series.
Warne also claimed his 500th Test wicket in Galle back in 2004.
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