Jason Warne, brother of former cricketing legend, in a video message to Sri Lankan cricket lovers through Sri Lanka Cricket, spoke passionately about his late brother’s tremendous binding with Sri Lanka and its people and the great love he displayed for Sri Lankans, and his historic bonding with Galle which helped rebuild after the tsunami devastation, which he believed he finally belonged to test cricket where he claimed his 500th test wicket.
Jason spoke from the very bottom of his heart of what he traced as brother Shane Warne’s virtual binding with Sri Lanka and the game of cricket while describing Shane and Muttiah Muralidaran as the greatest spin bowlers the world had seen.
Such was my brother, Shane’s love for Sri Lankans that ‘he travelled to Sri Lanka during the tsunami devastation and helping out and toured Galle, the venue where he took his 100th test wicket, and was concerned to have it back to playing test cricket.’
Jason made the point that he tremendously enjoyed watching the Warne-Murali test series, and looked forward to enjoying a future series in Sri Lanka between Sri Lanka and Australia.
Jason’s following message has gone on Instagram ahead of the two-Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka played for the Warne-Murali trophy beginning at Galle on 29 January:
“Hello, my name is Jason Warne, Shane’s brother. Sri Lanka always had he belonged in Test cricket and where he first helped bowl Australia to victory. And finally believed Galle, which he helped rebuild after the tsunami devastation, was where he finally belonged to test cricket where he claimed his 500th test wicket.
Remember Colombo ‘92 his third match he took the last three wickets of the match he finally believed he belonged in Test cricket at that point.
He loved the country and he loved the people. When the devastating tsunami hit in 2004 he just wanted to be able to help in some way. His efforts had such an impact and for the Galle cricket ground to be rebuilt and to become the venue of his 500th wicket was amazing. He cherished playing at the ground and the tribute to him during the last Test series was simply amazing.
I was fortunate to see it in person and was speechless at the respect and admiration the Sri Lankan community had shown him.
I truly believe the Warne-Murali trophy not only continues the legacy of his work and Galle after the tsunami but also keeps the legacy of the two greatest spin bowlers of all time alive. And that he would absolutely cherish.
I’m looking forward to another great series between our countries and let’s hope spin plays a big role in it. Thank you.”
