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| December 22, 2006 | Friday | Ziqa'ad 30, 1427 |
‘Warney was a resilient, courageous, tough opponent’
SYDNEY, Dec 21: A selection of quotes following Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne's announcement on Thursday of his decision to quit Test cricket after the Ashes series. “What he has done for the game is immeasurable really. The fact that he revived the dying art of leg-spin bowling and just the way he has gone about his cricket, it's just been exciting when Shane Warne is involved.” – former Australia captain Allan Border.
“He was a resilient, courageous and tough opponent. Warnie was always a match winner because he had a great repertoire and a sense for the occasion. The greater the stakes the better the performance.” – former Australia captain Steve Waugh.
“In the space of a short time, he's turned the game upside down, changed it in concept. I think his greatest single achievement is not necessarily the 700 wickets, but the fact that when Wisden chose the five cricketers of the century, they chose Donald Bradman, Garry Sobers, Jack Hobbs, and Viv Richards – and Shane Warne who had only been playing since 1991. That's quite remarkable.” – former Australia captain Richie Benaud.
“His presence on the cricket field has not only inspired Australian cricket teams but also made life very difficult for opposition teams. It's always a significant advantage to walk on the field with Shane Warne.” – Australia coach John Buchanan.
“For me, he was the reason you played cricket. To be in a test against him, you knew you were in a battle with Warne, verbally, physically, mentally and technically.” – former England captain Nasser Hussain.
“As a wicket-keeper there's no better spot to be than standing behind the stumps to Shane Warne at any time really. But when he's on song it's quite mesmerising, so he brings a great deal of joy to me, just like everyone else sitting around watching. He makes us look good because he's so brilliant,” – Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.
“I don't think anyone's done more than what he's done. On and off the field there's been areas of controversy, but statistically (he is) the greatest bowler that ever played. He was tough, very, very competitive but he had a cheeky streak about him.” -- New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.
“In cricketing terms he is the ultimate legend. He's probably the best bowler there has ever been on this planet.” – England batsman Paul Collingwood.
“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 of 16 years.” – former Australia fast bowler and current selector Merv Hughes.
“I'd like to think of myself as an entertainer that would go out there and try to put on a show. I used to go over the top occasionally with the appealing but that's me expressing myself.” – Shane Warne.
“I sit here today a very happy man. It's been on my chest a while. I probably would have retired at the end of the 2005 Ashes series of we had won. But it wasn't to be.” – Shane Warne
“My journey and my ride in international cricket has been phenomenal. I don't think I could have written the script any better.” – Shane Warne.—Reuters
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