The details of Shane Warne’s state funeral in Melbourne were announced on Tuesday as Australia prepares to say goodbye to a cricketer who “defined a generation”.
Warne died earlier this month at the age of 52 while on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. A post-mortem examination determined he had died of natural causes.
A private funeral for family and friends was held in Melbourne last Sunday, with the state funeral to take place on March 30, which the Victoria State government revealed would be held at 7pm local time (12noon UAE time) at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“Mr Warne didn’t just inspire a cricketing generation – he defined it,” a statement on the Victoria State government website read.
“Born for the big occasion, he gave us irreplaceable MCG memories: the Ashes hat trick, his 700th wicket and calming Bay 13 in his trackies. Mr Warne’s performance on the pitch drew us to the game that he cared so deeply for.
“The State Memorial Service will be an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to Mr Warne’s contribution to his sport, to our state and the country.”
Members of the public will be able to attend the service and free tickets have been made available on the state government website. The service will also be live streamed on the Victoria State government website.
Warne's family will be collecting donations from the service for The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
Warne was one of the greatest and most influential cricketers in history. Credited with reviving the art of leg-spin bowling, he took 708 Test wickets in a career that spanned from 1992 to 2007.
Family and friends attend private funeral for Shane Warne
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Family and friends follow the hearse carrying Shane Warne's coffin for a lap of the ground following a funeral service in Melbourne, Australia. AP -
A funeral program is held after a private memorial service for Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
Family and friends follow the hearse carrying Shane Warne's coffin for a lap of the ground following a funeral service in Melbourne. AP -
Former wife of Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne, Simone Callahan (C) and fellow mourners toast the hearse carrying Warne on a lap of the ground after a private memorial service at the St Kilda Football Club in Melbourne. AFP -
The family of Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne follows the hearse on a lap of the ground after a private memorial service at the St Kilda Football Club in Melbourne. AFP -
Former Australia cricketers Mark Waugh (L) and Mark Taylor (R) arrive for a private memorial service for Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
Former Australia cricketer Glenn McGrath arrives for a private memorial service for Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
Former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds (L) and former England cricketer Michael Vaughan (R) arrive for a private memorial service for Shane Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
Former Australia cricketers Michael Clarke (L), Ian Healy (C) and Merv Hughes (R) chat as they arrive for a private memorial service for Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
Former Australia cricketer Merv Hughes arrives for a private memorial service for Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
A hearse carrying the coffin of Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne leaves a private memorial service for Warne in Melbourne. AFP -
Close friend Aaron Hamill, arrives at a private memorial for Shane Warne at the St Kilda Football Club in Melbourne. EPA -
Jackson Warne hugs his grandfather Keith Warne as they attend the funeral service for former Australian cricket player Shane Warne at St Kilda Football Club on March 20, 2022 in Melbourne. Getty Images -
Family and friends follow the hearse on a lap of the grounds during the funeral service for former Australian cricket player Shane Warne at St Kilda Football Club. Getty Images -
Family and friends attend the funeral service for former Australian cricket player Shane Warne at St Kilda Football Club. Getty Images
