Shane Warne state memorial: Tens of thousands gather to send off the 'Spin King'
By Hannah Ritchie, CNN
Updated 1311 GMT (2111 HKT) March 30, 2022
Master of Ceremonies Eddie McGuire speaks at the beginning of the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30.(CNN)Known locally as «The G,» the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a sporting Australian shrine. It's a place where legends are created, hearts broken, and stories that inspire entire nations are born.
On Wednesday, tens of thousands of fans gathered at the MCG to mark another historic moment, this time to say goodbye to «Spin King» Shane Warne — one of the greatest Australian players ever to take the field — at the state memorial service for thecricket great.The 52-year-old's sudden death from a suspected heart attack in Thailand earlier this month sent shockwaves around the world, prompting tributes from family, friends, and household names like Hugh Jackman, Ed Sheeran, and Mick Jagger.Obituary: Shane Warne was cricket's great showman and entertainerWarne is survived by his three children, daughters Brooke and Summer, and son Jackson, all of whom gave heartfelt speeches Wednesday, amid a sea of blonde wigs and signs paying homage to the cricketer.Standing on stage at the MCG, Shane's father Keith spoke first on behalf of the family, describing his son's passing on March 4 as «the darkest day» of their lives.Read MorePop star Elton John — a longtime friend of Warne — performed «Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me» in honor of the cricket great.«He was brilliant, he loved to play cricket, and he loved life,» said the Grammy winner.Former Australian cricketers Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Merv Hughes sit alongside former English cricketer Nasser Hussain and former West Indian
