A question relating to The Ashes, if only in make believe. Why hasn't anyone screened Bodyline as a warm up to the real thing? Although some of the cricket is a bit ropey, it's a terrific series...show.
"we love cricket because we do not know what will happen rather than because we wish for an orderly procession of familiar events" ...we also love it because of the memories it gives us. Great writing Gideon, I could visualise Warnie running in to bowl as I read - surely the greatest cricketer that I will ever see.
I always found myself in that state that whenever SK Warne came on to bowl I did simply just have to stop everything and immerse myself in the magic and drama that came with it. There was always the fear of what if he does something again that we talk about for generations and I miss it?
There will never be another Warnie and thank goodness we got to live it.
It’s a shame that (generally) the only Warnie highlights available are his wickets. As Gideon says, so much of the pleasure of watching him was waiting in the knowledge he would get a wicket eventually.
Great stuff, Gideon. It’s interesting to read about Warnie’s pause at the top of his mark. It reminds me of a boyish Steve Smith who emerged on the first-class scene for NSW as a complete “imitator” of Shane’s, including the pause at the top of his mark. When quizzed by the AAP scribe at the SCG, the youngster said he had not modelled his bowling action on anyone in particular. Right…
From one GH to another, fabulous piece of writing that captures beautifully Warnies skill as a cricketer and even more importantly his uncluttered thinking and the way he carried himself. Come back Shane!
No matter how good McGrath, Gillespie, McDermott, Fleming et al were the arrival of Warnie at the crease was worth all the waiting time.
Masterful purity, thank you.
When life is getting me down and troubles are all around, I remember Warnie is gone—and I know I have to live life to the fullest.
TJ is also sadly gone
Not the first time I’ve read this, but enjoyed it again. Love the adaptation of Clarke’s Third Law.
A question relating to The Ashes, if only in make believe. Why hasn't anyone screened Bodyline as a warm up to the real thing? Although some of the cricket is a bit ropey, it's a terrific series...show.
"we love cricket because we do not know what will happen rather than because we wish for an orderly procession of familiar events" ...we also love it because of the memories it gives us. Great writing Gideon, I could visualise Warnie running in to bowl as I read - surely the greatest cricketer that I will ever see.
An excellent piece about the greatest player I have seen.
i love this photo of the Warne statue. perfect.
I always found myself in that state that whenever SK Warne came on to bowl I did simply just have to stop everything and immerse myself in the magic and drama that came with it. There was always the fear of what if he does something again that we talk about for generations and I miss it?
There will never be another Warnie and thank goodness we got to live it.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/10/welcome-to-the-guardians-100-best-players-in-the-history-of-the-mens-ashes
How high up the rankings will Gideon place Craig Sirjeant?
It’s a shame that (generally) the only Warnie highlights available are his wickets. As Gideon says, so much of the pleasure of watching him was waiting in the knowledge he would get a wicket eventually.
Thank you, what an Excellent tribute.
You do write beautifully, Gideon. Fully subscribe to all these comments. What a loss!
Great stuff, Gideon. It’s interesting to read about Warnie’s pause at the top of his mark. It reminds me of a boyish Steve Smith who emerged on the first-class scene for NSW as a complete “imitator” of Shane’s, including the pause at the top of his mark. When quizzed by the AAP scribe at the SCG, the youngster said he had not modelled his bowling action on anyone in particular. Right…
From one GH to another, fabulous piece of writing that captures beautifully Warnies skill as a cricketer and even more importantly his uncluttered thinking and the way he carried himself. Come back Shane!