The
Sheikh of Tweak
That
Shane Warne has re-written the record books, and almost
single-handedly revitalised the art of leg spin is without
doubt. Off the field of play he has had his critics
but on it, he is without compare.
Described
by Richie Benaud as, "the best leg-spinner I've ever
seen", Warne combines a complete armoury of leg spinner,
top spinner, googly and flipper, with enormous spin,
and considerable accuracy.
Former
England batsman Mike Gatting will always remember the
first ball he faced from the young leggie and indeed
the first ball that the young leggie bowled in Test
cricket in England. Warne's debut ball, at Old Trafford
in 1993, pitched way outside leg but still came back
far enough to dislodge Gatt's off stump. The former
England captain had to have his jaw closed for him.
Warne bowls
from a few paces, varies his pace and flight well, and
was the scourge of batsmen world-wide until being laid
low by an injury to his bowling shoulder in 1998. Since
his return, Warne may have had his critics at Test level
- and his involvement in a betting scandal can't have
helped concentration - but he has been vital in One
Day Internationals. As captain of Australia in the Carlton
and United series, it was his flipper, with the fifth
ball of the 32nd over, that trapped Alan Mullally lbw
and embarrassed England in a 2-0 final series whitewash.
His lower
order batting may be less effective in the limited overs
game than the Test arena but 'niggle' is a word that
could easily be associated with his time at the crease.
It is his persona that really grips the public, though.
His bleached blond hair, outgoing personality and fondness
for fast food have earned him the nickname of "Hollywood"
and Australian fans worship him. The cricketing establishment
are still not sure.
Ex England
captain said of Warne "His ability to outthink
a batsman sets him apart and makes him the best bowler
I played against." - praise indeed.
Born on
the 13th September, 1969 in Frentree Gully Melbourne,
Warne has played for the major teams in his career namely
Victoria, Hampshire and of course Australia. He has
toured all of the major ICC Test playing nations except
Bangladesh. He is currently the leading wicket taker
in world cricket with 708 wickets.
