Ricky Ponting has voiced a heartbreaking tribute to his great friend and teammate the late Shane Warne ahead of his elevation to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Channel 7 reported Ponting shared his memories of Warne in a three-minute message, which reduced the Australian cricket legend to tears as he paid tribute to his great mate.
“Shane Keith Warne. For me, the greatest ever spin bowler to have played the game of cricket,” Ponting said.
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“In fact, for me, he is clearly the greatest cricketer of the modern era.
“For the 15 years that he represented Australia, I, like you, witnessed something very special.
“A global superstar that changed our game forever. He single-handedly inspired a generation of boys and girls all around the world who wanted to be like Shane Warne. Wanting to bowl spin and dominate batters and games alike.
“I don’t know what it was, but Shane and I hit it off from our very first introduction. In 1992 at the Cricket Academy in Adelaide.
“We became instant mates. He showed me the ropes, gave me my nickname that has stuck with me ever since.
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“I miss those chats so much. Fitting that one of my fondest memories playing with Warnie was our 2006 Ashes Test win back in Adelaide.
“The game they said we couldn’t win. But in England’s second innings, it was time for the world to see absolute brilliance that was Shane Warne. It was time to sit back and watch The King on his stage.
“He bowled 32 of the most extraordinary overs, taking 4-49 in a performance that set up our eventual win.
“When reflecting on a few words and statements that capture my feelings for my 30-year mateship with Warnie, I don’t think I have ever had so many words and emotions come into my mind all at once.
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“The ultimate competitor. Star power. Never beaten. Reliable. Accepting and caring. Infectious smile. The life of the party. Larrikin. Generous beyond belief.
“His achievements, passion and knowledge of the game was something to behold. He was a superstar, a game-changer, a leader, an innovator and, above all, a bloody good bloke.
“Warnie, there will never be another like you. Man, myth and now legend. I love you, mate.”
Ponting reflected on his tribute by revealing he could have spoken for another quarter of an hour at least on Warne.
“I got through it pretty good, made my way through. It was all on autocue, I could see the end on the bottom of the page,” Ponting said on Channel 7.
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“I was going through it and it got down to the bottom bit and that’s when I lost it a little bit there. I could go on for another 10 or 15 minutes.”
Ponting revealed to another long time friend and teammate Matthew Hayden that he still struggles to hear Warne’s voice in cricket replays that come on the TV throughout the summer.
“Since his passing, I don’t know if you’ve been the same at home, but if there’s been any replays of cricket games on, I’ve had to turn it down,” Ponting said to Hayden on Channel 7.
“You can hear his voice somewhere, and then you go and find where it is in the house and you have to turn it down.
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“We all notice the loss most when the summer starts here in Australia. When he’s not here and when you’re not hearing the bold predictions, and you’re not hearing his genius in the commentary box.
“And the fact we don’t get to see him on the golf course and get some money out of him as well through the course of the summer!
“Very sadly missed.”
Warne will be honoured at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame event on Thursday night.
