Shane Warne memorial: 1 billion people tune in to bid cricket legend farewell

The world of cricket bid farewell to Shane Warne on Wednesday in an incredible state memorial service in Melbourne, Australia.

Per a report in The Sun, a staggering one billion people tuned in to the memorial service at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

300 million viewers were expected from India alone, with the memorial service also broadcast in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Africa and the UK.

Warne was regarded as the greatest spin bowler of all time, racking up over 700 test match wickets, he also scored 3154 runs at an average of 17.3.

The service was expected to be a light-hearted affair dubbed to be the ‘greatest party ever’ in a nod to the cricketer’s party-boy lifestyle.

Among those attending were Australian pop stars Danii and Kylie Minogue, while actor Hugh Jackman and singer Ed Sheeran paid tribute in a pre-recorded message.

Forever, the Shane Warne Stand ❤️ pic.twitter.com/soOw9kDV06

Sir Elton John paid tribute to his great friend before dedicating Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me to Warne’s children Brooke, Summer and Jackson.

“It’s a sad day today, but it’s not in other ways…. his legacy will live on.” John said

“He loved to play Cricket and he loved life”

Coldplay’s Chris Martin sang Yellow for his ‘good friend’. Martin said: “How lucky we were to get to know that…that light will continue to burn bright in our memories forever more. We will miss you Warnie.”

"What Shane achieved during his cricketing career was unimaginable.""He was a doting father, a loving son and brother, and a sports hero.""We are grateful that the world loved our son as we did."Keith Warne pays a beautiful tribute to his son, the legendary Shane Warne. pic.twitter.com/C8AzCWhrjZ

Robbie Williams said he only crossed paths with the