Warne remains the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 708 wickets.
Shane Warne, a legend in cricket, revolutionised spin bowling in the 1990s and 2000s. The late spinner was the cornerstone of Australia's cricket dominance with his blonde hair and mesmerising deliveries. On this day, 19 years ago, Warne made history by becoming the first bowler to reach 600 Test wickets.
He achieved this milestone against England on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, dismissing opener Marcus Trescothick in his 126th Test. Sadly, tragedy hit the cricket fraternity when Warne passed away on March 4, 2022, from a heart attack, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy.
The 2005 Ashes series remains a legendary one. Both teams reached Manchester tied at 1-1. Led by Ricky Ponting, Australia dominated the first Test, winning 239 runs. England, under Michael Vaughan, narrowly won the second Test by just two runs, despite Shane Warne's stunning 10-wicket haul. Warne had already claimed 16 wickets in the first two Tests and was just one wicket away from a significant milestone. The series was a thrilling clash of cricket titans.
Warne was on 599 wickets when England chose to bat first. Andrew Strauss fell early, but Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan combined for a dazzling 137-run stand in just 22.3 overs. The Old Trafford pitch was ideal for batting. Vaughan won the toss and batted, with Trescothick scoring a century. Warne had to wait till the 33rd over before getting his chance.
The leg-spinner was in a sensational form since returning after a one-year ban. He challenged Trescothick and Vaughan in his first four overs and displayed his magic in the fifth.
Warne delivered a ball wide outside off, turning it into Trescothick. The left-hander attempted a sweep but edged it to Adam Gilchrist, giving Warne his 600th Test wicket. Warne adjusted his tactics despite some initial struggles, switching around the wicket. This wicket made him the first bowler in history to surpass 600 Test wickets.
When Warne dismissed Marcus Trescothick for 63, he raised his arms triumphantly, celebrating with his ecstatic teammates. The Manchester crowd gave him a warm ovation, and Warne acknowledged them with a hat tip. England posted a formidable 444, thanks to Michael Vaughan's brilliant 160. Warne took one wicket on Day 1 and three more on Day 2.
Australia was bowled out for 302, with Warne shining with a vital 90, but they trailed by 142 runs. On the final day, Ricky Ponting's magnificent 156 and Warne's 34 runs led Australia to a tense draw. Despite Warne's brilliant all-round approach, the match ended in a stalemate, highlighting the fierce competition of the 2005 Ashes series.
Ricky Ponting raises his bat after reaching a century // Picture Courtesy: ESPN Cricinfo
England won the 2005 Ashes series 2-1, but Shane Warne was extraordinary. He took 40 wickets in five Tests, averaging 19.92. In the first two Tests, Warne claimed 16 wickets at an incredible average of 15.31, including a standout 6 for 46 in the second innings at Edgbaston. His Ashes record was impeccable, with 195 wickets in just 36 matches, a world record for the most wickets against a single opponent in Test cricket.
A genius, a legend, a rascal, a showman, an entertainer, the first man to 600 and 700 Test wickets, the greatest leg spinner to ever live. All of these things describe Shane Warne. What a record he had, and what a legacy he leaves. Long live the king. 💔 pic.twitter.com/4MsVaWOdZS
— Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) March 4, 2022
Warne remains the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 708 wickets, behind Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, who leads with 800. In December 2006, Warne also became the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets, achieving this milestone against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
