Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne passed away last week, aged 52, in Koh Samui, Thailand, while on a holiday.
Named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, Warne snared 708 Test wickets and 293 ODI scalps for Australia between 1992 and 2007, and was an ODI World Cup winner in 1999 and a multiple-time Ashes winner.
Tributes have been pouring in since, and everyone continues to mourn the loss of arguably the greatest Test bowler and one of the icons of Australia.
There were so many interesting bits about the former Rajasthan Royals captain. An interview with ESPNcricinfo two years ago summarised his life, on the field and off it.
Here are some of the interesting answers Warne gave, including the country he didn’t like to visit, on Kuldeep Yadav, his bond with Ian Healy, and some answers on the entertainment bit.
Q. Cricket in the 90s or 2000s – which one was more challenging.
Shane Warne believed that in the 90s, in which he played the first half of his career, was more challenging than in the second half of his illustrious career.
Q. One country Shane Warne disliked touring early in his career.
After thinking for a while, the leg-spinner said, Pakistan. But, Warne’s record in Pakistan wasn’t that bad: 18 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 28; he averaged worse with the ball in Test cricket in India and West Indies.
Q. Who’s the most complete wrist-spinner among the current crop?
Shane Wane picked Kuldeep Yadav for this choice. Kuldeep idolizes Warne and put out a heartfelt note when the legend passed away. Warne was in the stadium when Kuldeep picked a five-wicket haul in the Sydney Test in 2019.
Q. One England cricketer you secretly wished was Australia.
Shane Warne’s response: Darren Gough. It showed the high respect Warne had for the former England fast bowler. Gough snared 229 wickets in 58 Tests and 235 scalps in 159 ODIs.
Q. To the entertainment aspect, Warne was asked: “If there was a movie made on you, who would you like to play you?”
The charismatic cricketers and fashion icon named the Australian actor, Gladiator star Russell Crowe to play him in a movie.
