Shane Warne Lord’s tribute: Crowd, England and New Zealand players rise as one to honour Australian cricket great

There was hardly a dry eye at Lord’s on day one of the first Test between England and New Zealand as play stopped to allow players and spectators to pay tribute to Shane Warne.

Spectators and players take a moment at the end of the 23rd over to applaud for 23 seconds to commemorate Shane Warne. Picture: AFP

Spectators and players at Lord’s have paid the ultimate tribute to spin king Shane Warne.

On day one of the First Test between England and New Zealand, play was halted at the end of the 23rd over as a respectful 23-second applause rang out around the Home of Cricket.

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The Australian legend, who captured the imagination of English cricket fans throughout his decimation of their countrymen, wore No.23 during his cricket career in honour of Hawthorn AFL great Dermott Brereton.

In March, aged just 52, Warne left the cricket world in shock when he suffered a heart attack and died while holidaying in Koh Samui.

Spectators and players take a moment at the end of the 23rd over to applaud for 23 seconds to commemorate Shane Warne. Picture: AFP

“Shane was brilliant with people, he treated everyone the same, it didn’t matter if you were famous or a runner (assistant),” Former England captain Michael Atherton said after the tribute.

At the 23rd over, a minute of applause is held for one of the greatest to have graced the game, Shane Warne.

There will never be another like him.

Bowled, Shane ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vsPRWf2wK9

— Ben Stokes’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) June 2, 2022

“He was a showman, an entertainer, he was a master of his craft,” former Australian cricketer Mel Jones said.

The touching tribute came after the MCC renamed the commentary box at Lord’s after the leg-spinner.

“To have a commentary box named after you at Lord’s, where you tried to beat the old enemy, is a huge honour,” former Australian captain Mark Taylor said.

“It wouldn’t be lost on Warnie and certainly won’t be lost on his family.

“We have lost a great mate and a guy that endeared himself to the English public.

“They probably started out hating him because he took too many wickets but, by the end, they absolutely loved him.

“Why wouldn’t they? He was a terrific fella and is a great loss to the game.

“It shows you the fragility of life and that you have got to enjoy it.”