Shane Warne's memorial service live updates: MCG farewells Australian sporting great

Melbourne is preparing to publicly farewell Shane Warne at the MCG this evening, with tens of thousands to attend the memorial service at the venue he made his own.

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By Andrew Mcgarry

There have been plenty of stories told and written in the weeks since Shane Warne's death, and we will share a number of them with you on today's blog.

But in the meantime we want to send out a call for people to have a think back to find your memories of his life. What stands out to you, what comes to mind when you think of him?

How will you remember him? Let us know — your recollections and thoughts could end up in our blog.

By Andrew Mcgarry

By Andrew Mcgarry

Hello and welcome to ABC's coverage of Shane Warne's state funeral at the MCG.

Three-and-a-half weeks ago, we woke up to the shocking news of Shane Warne's death while on holiday in Thailand.

Today is a chance for Australia to celebrate his life and all the things on and off the field that he packed into just 52 years.  

While the ceremony is not taking place until tonight at 7pm AEDT, we are taking the opportunity to spend some time this afternoon telling some stories, reminiscing and inviting people's thoughts about the late, great Australian cricketer.

My name is Andrew McGarry, and I will be taking you through this afternoon. Later, my colleaguesDean Bilton andYara Murray-Atfield will join you to bring you all the events in the lead-up to and the ceremony itself.