Boy, the biggest bowler (arguably), contemporary cricket has ever produced, has decided to retire from international cricket at the pick of his career. To me and to many millions, this decision of Shane Warne has come as a big shock. Afterall he was one of the few reasons left in my cricketing interest. And if, as it is generally perceived, Glenn Mcgrath decides to follow the suit, it will spell the doom’s day for many cricket lovers.
Much has been said about his outstanding records. I ain’t an ardent follower of his records and statistics. I only know the ooohs and aaahs that came out when he delivered those magic deliveries. Guys see what we will miss
1. Those more than 60 degree turning leg breaks.
2. Those flippers that literally shoot off after pitching
3. Those around the legs clean bowled wickets that only he could produce
4. Those down the leg stumping with the brilliant help of Gillie!
5. Those googleys that caught even best of the batsmen plum in front of the wickets
6. Those zooters that pitched and kissed off stumps of many world class batsmen in fraction of a second.
7. Those “well bowled warney” shouts from behind the wickets!!
8. And that off-the-pitch flamboyance!!
9. Those impeccable catches that he took standing in first sleep.
10. Those cover drives, hooks and pools that made him batsman to have hit maximum number of runs without a century in test cricket!!
And much much more. May be it was a sane decision for him to take at this point in his career. But we cricket lovers might as well say, “Your time is now Shane. Come on. Go on Warney. You can reach 1000 wickets!!”
(Image source: www.news.com.au)
