Shane Warne’s beloved Big Bash League team, the Melbourne Stars, is set to honour the late cricket legend with a stirring mix of tributes at the MCG on Friday night.
The Stars will play their first game at the MCG since Warne’s death when they face the Hobart Hurricanes.
Every Melbourne player will mark the special occasion by wearing the No.23 on the front of their shirt — Warne’s playing number — and a standing ovation will take place after the 23rd ball of the match.
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The franchise will then retire the No.23 permanently following the game.
Warne’s incredible cricket career and celebrity appeal were crucial to the Stars when the spin king emerged from retirement to help launch Melbourne as the club’s marquee signing.
He was a huge drawcard for the Stars across the 2011-12 and 2012-13 summers, the first two seasons of the domestic T20 competition.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who’s set to captain Melbourne in the absence of the injured Glenn Maxwell, said he would “always recognise the Stars as being Warnie’s BBL team”, before adding that he “just brought that rock star mentality to the club”.
“I think (regarding) history of clubs like this, it’s really important to recognise important faces, and he was the most important face at the club when it was established,” Zampa said.
“It’s a great gesture (and it) will be good to see his family there.”
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Warne’s family has been invited to the MCG, where the southern stand was renamed in Warne’s honour, and will be in the changerooms following the match.
Warne’s Stars playing shirt will also be hung in the rooms.
“I want to thank the Warne family for their support in helping us recognise the amazing legacy that Shane left with the Stars,” said Stars general manager Blair Crouch.
“His time at the club may have been short but his impact will be everlasting, and we’re looking forward to celebrating that on Friday night at the MCG with all of our members and fans.”
The first game of the BBL season will see the Stars meet the Sydney Thunder at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Tuesday night.
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