Warne’s road to 708 was paved with dizzying highs and numbing lows

Shane Warne grew up with one goal in his mind: to become a star for his beloved St Kilda Football Club. Warne’s shortcomings on the footy field paved the way to a cricket career that changed the game forever.

His transcendent talent and larrikin personality made him a truly global icon, on and off the pitch. From an inauspicious Test debut to an unforgettable Boxing Day hat-trick – not to mention that delivery – Warne’s career was marked by dizzying highs and numbing lows.

From footy to cricket

After a handful of games for St Kilda’s under-19s VFL side in 1987 and 1988, Warne was delisted by the club. His footy dream was dashed, but he had another talent to pursue.

Academy bad boy, and the 44-hour bus ride

Warne caught the attention of the Australian Cricket Academy as a 21-year-old. His time there was short-lived and best remembered for him mooning hotel guests in Darwin, and the embarrassing 44-hour bus ride back to Adelaide that followed. He left the academy, and returned to Victoria.

False start

After just seven first-class appearances for Victoria, Warne made his Test debut for Australia in 1992 at the SCG. It did not go well, taking one wicket for the cost of 150 runs. He took none in the following Test.

The closer and the assassin

Warne first made his mark in Sri Lanka, taking 3 for 0 in his last 13 balls to spin Australia to victory. He returned home and took 7 for 52 in the second innings at the MCG against the feared West Indies; it would be the third best return of his career.

Shane Warne's 'ball of the century' to Mike Gatting began 15 years of Ashes domination. Credit: Popperfoto

Ball of the Century

On June 4, 1993, Warne fiercely spun the ball across the pitch at Old Trafford with his first ball in an Ashes series. It took English right-hander Mike Gatting, and his off-stump, by complete surprise. Warne became an instant legend.

Boxing Day hat-trick

Warne’s Test career hit new heights when David Boon scooped a brilliant catch at full stretch from the bat of Devon Malcolm, after the quick dismissals of Phil DeFreitas and Darren Gough, to complete a Boxing Day hat-trick. In an Ashes Test, no less.

Marriage to Simone Callahan

Warne married his childhood sweetheart, Simone Callahan, in 1995. They went on to have three children: Brooke, Jackson and Summer. They divorced in 2005. Warne recently admitted in the documentary Shane that he put his family second to become the cricketer that he was.

Warne and Simone Callahan married in 1995.

Miracle of ’99

In a golden age for Australian men’s cricket, the 1999 World Cup was a defining moment. It’s best remembered for the dramatic semi-final against South Africa but Shane Warne was the star. He took four wickets in the final, was named man of the match and finished the tournament with an equal-best 20 scalps.

Controversy and injury

Warne was removed as vice-captain after sending lewd texts to an English nurse in 2000. He was photographed smoking by teenage boys. He had summers cut short by finger and shoulder injuries. Warned was banned for 12 months in 2003 after testing positive for a banned substance, a diuretic he claimed his mother gave him to help lose weight.

Shane Warne of Australia acknowledges the crowd at Edgbaston during the 2005 Ashes series.Credit: Getty

Lows and highs of 2005

Warne’s marriage broke down prior to the 2005 Ashes. Callahan relocated to England to support him but quickly learned of Warne’s numerous affairs via the British tabloids. Warne somehow managed to front the hostile English crowds days later and went on to play the best cricket of his career. In a losing series for Australia, Warne took 40 wickets.

700th wicket

Five days after announcing his retirement, Warne took his 700th wicket. Fittingly, it was on Boxing Day at the MCG. His Test career ended where it began, at the SCG, where he took his 708th and final wicket.

Warne (centre) celebrates taking his 700th Test wicket.

Life after retirement

Warne remained active in cricket after his international retirement, winning the inaugural Indian Premier League as captain-coach of the Rajasthan Royals and played for the Melbourne Stars in the BBL. Warne joined Nine Network as a commentator in 2008 before stints with Sky Sports and Fox Sports. He was engaged to actress Liz Hurley from 2011 to 2013.