Victorian Government honours Shane Warne by naming a stand after him at MCG

The Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be known as the ‘S.K. Warne Stand’ for the time to come. This announcement was made by Victoria's minister for tourism and sport, Martin Pakula in consultation with the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews this black Saturday morning following Warne’s sudden demise.

The Iconic ‘MCG’ was a really special place for Warne. Apart from it being his home ground, he picked his 700th Test wicket and 56 wickets overall at the ‘G’. The stadium already has the statue of the great ‘showman’ within its premises.

The Premier remarked that Warne was certainly not just a great cricketer but one of their nation’s greatest characters, "[Warne's] achievements were the product of his talent, his discipline and passion for the game he loved. But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane was one of our nation's greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all. Australians loved him. We all did."

Andrews even mentioned in his Tweet that "The S.K. Warne Stand will be a permanent tribute to an amazing Victorian.”

The Premier of Victoria continued to add, "To us, he was the greatest – but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends – and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.

"Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King."

Additionally, he mentioned that Shane’s family has been offered a State level funeral. The country’s Prime Minister confirmed the same and added that the onus of its organisation will be with the Victorian and Australian governments along with Warne’s family. The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison also remarked that Warne was ‘one of the greatest cricketers of all time’.

The ‘4th of March, 2022’ has become a black day in Australia’s cricketing history as the nation lost two of its legends - Warne and Rodney Marsh - in a single day.