Shane Warne remembered as 'much-loved cricketing legend' at state memorial

A state memorial service for cricketing legend Shane Warne took place today with his close friends and family pouring in tributes.

Shane's father Keith in particular paid a heartfelt tribute at the memorial service in Melbourne saying his family took comfort in knowing he packed more into his life "than most people would in two lifetimes". The former leg-spinner is widely considered on of the greatest cricketers of all-time.

He tragically died at the age of 52 earlier this month from a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Koh Samui, Thailand. A private funeral was already held, but a state memorial service was held at Warne's favourite Melbourne Cricket Ground today (March 30).

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Keith Warne said in his eulogy: “Friday March 4, 2022, darkest day in our family’s life. It was a day that our son, Shane Keith Warne, was tragically and suddenly taken from us.

“Our family lost a beloved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer.

“The world lost a much-loved cricketing legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time.

“Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes.”

Keith Warne added: “We are grateful the world loved our son as we did and thankfully touched so many lives in so many ways. Shane said of himself, ‘I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket’.

“Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us.