Cricket Australia names men's Test player award after Shane Warne

Cricket Australia, the governing body of Australian cricket, renamed the Men's Test Player of the Year award after legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne on Monday, as tribute poured in for the late cricketer at the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Also Read: Shane Warne Records: Most Test Wickets in a calendar year

Warne claimed 1001 international wickets across Test and ODI formats. Meanwhile, Shane Warne, who tragically passed away in March 2022 in Thailand, retired as Australia's highest-ever wicket-taker in Test cricket. He called it a day after the 2006-07 Ashes series also on home soil. He finished with 708 scalps in 145 Tests at an average of 25.41.

The Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award will be presented annually. This is the second cricket award after the prestigious Allan Border Medal. The Allan Border Medal is given to the most outstanding player - male or female - across all the formats.

"As one of Australia's all-time greats, it is fitting we acknowledge Shane's extraordinary contribution to Test cricket by naming this award in his honor in perpetuity."

said Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley

"Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honor Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG," he added.

Read Also: Most Wickets In Test Cricket

However, Cricket Australia chief Hockley made the announcement on the first day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and South Africa at the MCG, the home ground of Warne where he took his 700th Test wicket and an Ashes hat-trick against England.

"His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured," said Hockley.

The MCG has already had a stand named after Warne.