A petition that was launched three years ago to knight former Australian great Shane Warne has been gaining momentum ever since he passed away on March 4, 2022, while he was on holiday in Thailand. The news of his unexpected departure sent shockwaves around the world, and his fans and cricket lovers all round the globe still find it difficult to digest the fact that the magician with the ball is no more with us.
Regarded as one of the best players to have ever played the gentleman’s sport, Warne is the second highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, having picked up 708 wickets in 145 red-ball matches and has won numerous individual and team awards during his 15-year international career. He has also represented Australia in 194 One Day Internationals and has 293 scalps to his name.
He was an integral part of the Australian side that won the 1999 World Cup in England after defeating Pakistan in the final at Lord’s. He took four wickets in the decider and was awarded the Player of the Match award in the summit clash. Besides that, he is also the leading wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 scalps in 36 matches.
And following his sudden demise, calls have gained pace for the constitution to be amended to allow Warnie to get the honour he deserves.
“Mr Warne’s credentials for this honour speak for themselves. 708 Test wickets. 1,319 first-class wickets. Hundreds of one day wickets,” says the petition.
“Ashes trophies, World Cups, beating the mighty West Indies in the West Indies, the getting out on 99, the flipper, the champagne on the balcony, the bunnies, the baked beans, the lifestyle, the romances, the life, the man, the legend. And that’s just his cricket. He’s also a philanthropist, a journalist, easily the best commentator, an entertainer, a larrikin, and an all-around Australian hero,” the petition added.
