Glenn McGrath, one of the greatest fast bowlers of the world, is left ‘absolutely devasted’ by the tragic of his long-time former Australian teammate Shane Warne, who passed away at the age of 52 on Friday.
Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath were pillars of the Australian bowling attack from the early 1990s to 2007. Both were World Cup champions, Ashes winners and even retired from Test cricket together. Glenn McGrath paid homage to his ‘good friend’ with a heartfelt and emotional post on Instagram.
Glenn McGrath Absolutely Devastated With Larger Than Life Shane Warne’s Untimely Demise At 52
Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne played 104 Tests together and grabbed 1001 wickets, which is the most by a bowling pair for any country, followed by the Sri Lankan pair of pacer Chaminda Vaas and spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (772 wickets in 81 Tests). Of the 104 Tests that Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne played together, Australia won 71 of those.
“Just absolutely devastated today. Warnie was larger than life. I thought nothing could ever happen to him. He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20. He was the ultimate competitor. He thought the game was never lost, that he could turn it around and bring us to victory, which he did so many times. I think he lived his life the same way,” McGrath wrote.
Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne even retired together, following the fifth Test of the 2006/07 Ashes, in which Australia swept England 5-0. Both were part of Australia’s dominance in world cricket, when the ruthless Aussies would register a winning streak of 16 Test matches, twice.
Glenn McGrath: Shane Warne Was A Great Mate And A Loving Father
Shane Warne represented Australia in international cricket for 15 years after taking retirement in 2007. In his 145 Test match career, he picked 708 wickets with an average of 25.41 which included 37 fifers. Similarly in his 194 ODI career, he picked 293 wickets with an economy of 4.25.
“There seemed to be never a dull moment. He was a great mate and a loving father. He loved his kids so much and my thoughts are with Brooke, Jackson & Summer. My thoughts are also with Keith, Bridgette and Jason. Rest In Peace my good mate, there’ll never again be anyone like you,” added McGrath.
Shane Warne also helped Australia to win ODI World Cup 1999. With 1001 international wickets across formats, he is the 2nd highest wicket-taker of all time.
Shane Warne played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) between 2008-10. He was the side’s captain, while he also happened to be its coach. He led the side to title glory during the inaugural edition in 2008, thus becoming the first-ever and the only captain-cum-coach to win the IPL to date. He is survived by two daughters and a son.