Shane Warne’s five greatest Boxing Day Test performances

Shane Warne saved some of his most iconic moments for the MCG. These are Warnie’s five greatest Boxing Day test performances.

Shane Warne delivered some of his greatest performances on the G. Picture: AFP

Shane Warne shone at grounds all over the world but saved several of his most memorable performances for the MCG.

Ever the showman, Warne’s 56 Test wickets at the ‘G places him behind only Dennis Lillee (82).

Here are five of Warne’s great Boxing Day Test performances.

1992

Warne had been a Test cricketer for barely a year and this was the first time he ripped a home Test apart. With Australia hunting a drought-breaking series win against the mighty West Indies, Warne took 7-52 in the second innings, running through the tourists on the final day including memorably bowling Windies captain Richie Richardson with what would become a trademark flipper. It would all prove in vain though as the Windies came back to win the series 2-1.

Warne in action on day 2 of the 1992 Boxing Day Test. Picture: Allsport

1994

By this point Warne was already a regular tormentor of England, starting in the previous year’s Ashes tour with the Gatting ball. But having destroyed the tourists at the Gabba, Warne took 6-64 in the first innings at the ‘G before removing Phil DeFreitas, Darren Gough and Devon Malcolm (caught brilliantly by David Boon at short-leg) to claim what would be his only international hat-trick and drive Australia to a 2-0 series lead.

Warne dismisses Devon Malcolm to claim his only international hat-trick in the 1994 test.

1995

In a match best remembered for Warne’s spinning rival Muttiah Muralitharan being called for throwing by Darrell Hair, Warne took 4-71 in Sri Lanka’s second innings in a workmanlike performance as Australia sewed up the series with a 10-wicket win.

Warne appeals for, and gets, LBW against Chandika Hathurusinghe in the 1995 Boxing Day Test.

2005

Injury and suspension had cost Warne several Boxing Day outings in the intervening years. Come 2005 the end was nigh, and South Africa had managed to ward him off on the final day in Perth. But he would not be denied again, taking 4-74 in the second innings to help secure a convincing victory.

Warne in action against South Africa on day 3 in 2005.

Warne sets off on a victory lap after taking his 700th Test wicket on day one of the 2006 Boxing Day Test. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

2006

Perhaps saving the best until last, Warne had announced his impending retirement heading into this Test. He entered the match one wicket away from becoming the first man to take 700 Test wickets, and after a lengthy wait on day one he delivered with a peach, bowling Andrew Strauss around his legs then taking off on something of a victory lap. It would be five for the innings and seven for the match for Warne as the Aussies continued what would be an Ashes whitewash with an innings victory inside three days.

Compiled by CODE Sports writer Daniel Cherny

Originally published as Shane Warne’s five greatest Boxing Day Test performances