Shane Warne will be honoured throughout the Boxing Day Test, with Cricket Australia revealing a detailed plan to pay tribute to the cricket icon.
The legendary leg-spinner passed away in March, leaving the global cricket community in a state of shock.
Warne is undoubtedly one of Australia's greatest cricketers in history, taking over 700 wickets at Test level and dominating the international arena.
Growing up in Melbourne and playing his first-class cricket for Victoria, Warne had a strong bond with the MCG and it is only fitting that fans and players pay tribute to him for the second Test against South Africa.
MORE: Was The Gabba pitch good or bad for Test cricket?
CA announced their plan to pay homage to Warne, encouraging fans to don his famous floppy hat and zinc sunscreen for the opening day of play, as well as a list of special tributes below:
- The Australian and South African teams paying their respects to Warne at the national anthem ceremony, and also wearing a floppy hat at the ceremony
- The ceremony will acknowledge the significance of the MCG in his career and life, with Warne’s floppy hat and a ball featured on a plinth on the teams’ path to the ceremony
- Warne’s Test cap number 350 to be painted square of the wicket for the duration of the Test match
- At 3.50pm on Boxing Day a graphic of Warne will be displayed on the big screen
- A special highlights package paying tribute to Warne’s outstanding career will also play across the MCG’s screens and on broadcast
This year's Boxing Day Test will be the first since Warne's passing and there will no doubt be plenty of emotion surrounding the clash.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said it was fitting that players and fans alike celebrate the life of Warne in his home town.
“Shane is an icon to cricket fans globally for the greatness of his cricketing achievements, his charisma and his infectious enthusiasm for the game," he said.
“His place as a legend of Australian and world sport is assured. Whilst we continue to mourn his passing, it is fitting that we honour Shane at his beloved Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
“Shane became recognisable not only through his genius and mastery of the art of leg spin, but also his floppy hat and zinc, so we encourage fans to remember Shane by wearing their own floppy hat and zinc to Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.
“I know I speak for the whole cricket community in saying that our thoughts continue to be with Shane’s family and friends and particularly his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer.”