Cricket 09/10

I was shocked to hear that Warne has retired. He has said a few times in the past he would only play if he was enjoying the game. The way he appealed and celebrated when Australia won the 3rd test looked to me like a man enjoying his cricket. He is going to honour his final 2 years of his Hampshire contract. I saw no reason for him to retire as he was still bowling magnificently. Australia will miss him dearly. I feel privileged that I can say I grew up watching Shane Warne.

Links
Warne confirms it's over - Fox Sports

More valuable than The Don? You bet - Fox Sports

Steve Waugh: Fizz is unique. - Fox Sports

Warne confirms retirement - ABC Sport

Shane Warne ends his test Career - BBC

Cricket stars hail legend Warne - BBC

What people have been saying:

Steve Waugh - It's very hard to judge across eras but Warne would sit pretty comfortably as the second best player ever. He has been responsible for winning more Test matches than anyone else I have seen or played with.

Merv Hughes - Whatever you say about Shane Warne it isn't enough. His performances have not only shaped cricket in Australia but worldwide. Most people go through a purple patch and Shane Warne has had a purple patch for 15 or 16 years

Richie Benaud - Shane Warne is without doubt the finest legspinner the world has ever seen. You would certainly have Warne right up there as one of the greatest Australians to ever step on the field.

Ian Chappell - I think it's perfect timing for a champion player. If you make a mistake it's best to get out a little early than a little late.

Allan Border - Bradman - it's hard to make comparison with that guy's record, but on the next level of cricketers, Warne is right there. He's been a breath of fresh air, what he's brought to the game is immeasurable.

Geoff Lawson - I thought he might still have another three, four years left in the game and in fact I've lost a lot of money because I backed him to take 1000 Test wickets and it's not going to happen now.

Mark Taylor - Not only is he a great bowler but he's also a great thinker. He got a lot of people out with wonderful deliveries but also out-thought a lot.

James Sutherland - There are a generation of Australians who were privileged enough to see Bradman. We are the generation that will always say we were privileged to see Warne.

Adam Gilchrist - As a wicket-keeper there's no better spot to be than standing behind the stumps to Shane Warne

Videos
Shane Warne speaks about his famous wickets, along with their clippings, includes the famous gatting dismissal.