Shane Warne

Biography

Shane Warne didn't just revive leg-spin bowling; he made it the most devastating weapon in cricket. Before Warne, spinners were defensive afterthoughts. After Warne, they were match-winners. His first ball in Ashes cricket - the "Ball of the Century" - pitched outside leg stump and clipped off, leaving Mike Gatting staring at the pitch in disbelief. That delivery announced a new era. Over the next 15 years, Warne took 708 Test wickets with variations that seemed to defy physics. He bowled leg-breaks, googlies, flippers, and sliders, each delivered with the same action, each leaving batsmen guessing. Off the field, he lived as colorfully as he bowled, a celebrity who transcended his sport.

Career Highlights

• 708 Test wickets (2nd all-time)
• Ball of the Century (1993)
• 145 Test matches
• World Cup winner (1999)
• Revived leg-spin as an attacking option

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