The Great Southern Stand at the MCG to be renamed after Shane Warne

Victorian minister for tourism and sports, Martin Pakula announced on Thursday the decision to rename the Great Southern Stand at MCG to Shane Warne as soon as possible. It will commemorate the life of the iconic Australian cricketer who left the world too soon at 52 on March 4 to be suspected of a heart attack in Thailand.

Pakula had discussed the matter with Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews, MCC CEO Stuart Fox and MCC Trust chairman Steve Bracks and they agreed that renaming the stand is a fitting tribute.

“We will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne stand and we’ll be doing that as soon as we possibly can,” said Pakula. “I can think of no greatest cricketer this state has produced than to rename the stand the S.K. Warne stand and no matter whatever happens to that stand in the future whether it’s rebuilt, refurbished, renovated, it will remain the S.K. Warne stands in perpetuity because his legend will live in perpetuity.”

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Fans and Players mourn over Shane Warne’s demise

Warne’s incredible moments came at the MCG. His only Test hat-trick against England in the Ashes and his 700th Test wicket in the Ashes series of 2006-07, that he delivered in front of his shouting fans. His adoring fans paid their tribute by surrounding his statue outside the Member at the MCG, laying flowers, beer, a packet of cigarettes, cricket balls, meat pies and a note that reads: “Cheers to a great Victorial. One of the all-time greats. RIP, Warnie. Thanks for the memories.” The young children who have not seen Warne play cricket, visited the statue along with their parents to pay their respect.

Australia’s men’s team observed a minute’s silence and wore a black armband in memory of Marsh ahead of their series with Pakistan in Rawalpindi. They’ll do the same for Warne’s death. Australia’s and England’s women’s teams also wore black armbands in memory of Rod Marsh and Shane Warne.

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