Shane Warne's State Memorial Service: Who said what about the spin legend

Australian spin legend Shane Warne's sudden death from a heart attack at the age of 52 in Thailand on March 4 plunged the cricket world into darkness and disbelief that their 'Warnie' was no more. Family, Australian cricketing legends, pundits, celebrities and everyday fans gathered at Warne's beloved Melbourne Cricket Ground to pay their tributes to the 'larger than life' spinner.

Here's a look at who said what at Warne's state memorial:

Warne's father, Keith, has delivered the first emotional tribute of the service, describing Shane's death as the "darkest day in our family's life".

He added, "Friday March 4, 2022, darkest day in our family’s life. It was a day that our son, Shane Keith Warne, was tragically and suddenly taken from us. Our family loss of a loved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer. And the world lost a much-loved cricketing legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time. Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes."

Warne's father also shared his memories of Shane's cricketing career, adding: "It felt like no time at all before we went from watching Shane play local grades of cricket with his mates, to watching him nervously walk out on to the SCG for his test debut in 1993.

"As he did, the words congratulations Shane Warne on being a 350th Australian test cricketer lit up on the big screen. It then dawned on me in over 100 years of Australian cricket, there’s only ever 350 cricketers to achieve that honour. How proud we were. It wasn’t sunny but a few pair of sunglasses might have come out. From there it felt like one outstanding achievement after another. Among them, the claiming of his one and only hat-trick in 1994 and getting his 700th wicket in 2006, both here at his beloved G. They were two of his all-time favourites, as I’m sure they are for many of you here tonight."

Keith ended his emotional tribute with a touching message, saying: "We are grateful the world loved our son as we did and thankfully touched so many lives in so many ways. Of course people will remember Shane in their own way but for us it will be his unconditional love for family and friends. His generosity and loyalty which knew no bounds. And a joy he brought to so many people along the way who will forever bring us in Shane’s typical humble manner. Shane said of himself, 'I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket."

"Mate, your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son. Rest in peace, mate. Love you, Mum and Dad."

Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman both recounted personal stories of their memories of Warne. "I wanted to share a little story about Shane and his parents, Bridget and Keith, turning up to my parent’s house right here in Melbourne for a barbecue one day and opening the door," Minogue remembered.

"There they are and Shane with his blue eyes and big cheeky smile, had it, had that star quality and charisma that the world got to know and love, but it was exactly the same on the front door step as it was out in the cricket field. So, yeah, he had it and took it everywhere he went and how lucky we were to get to know that. That light will continue to burn bright in our memories forever more and we’ll miss you, Warnie. Vale, Warnie."

Jackman then said, "Today we mourn not only in Australia but all over the world an incredible life and achievements of Shane Warne. But we also celebrate because Warnie, yes, one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the game, somehow as a human being reminded us to make the most of every single second. Man, he sucked the marrow out of life. He was a great teammate. He loved the game of cricket. He loved his friends and family. He loved life. There was no-one like you, Warnie and never will be again. We will miss you."

Following another video looking back on Warne's career, a panel consisting of cricket legends Mark Taylor, Allan Border, Merv Hughes, Nasser Hussain and Brian Lara has assembled on stage to share their memories of Warne. They were each asked to sum Warne up with one word.

Border: "Genius"; Taylor: "Genuine"; Hughes: "Bogan"; Hussain: "Entertainer"; Lara: "King"

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Andrea Egan of the United Nations Development Programme spoke about Warne's involvement with UN conservationist programme Lionshare and also announced The Shane Warne Conservation Grant. "The last time I spoke with him he expressed his passion for our work, his connections to Sri Lanka, and desire to be something bigger than him. He was a man of his word. He was generous. He used his fame to lean into the line share at its most pivotal time for the planet. We wish we had had more time with him," Egan said.

Warne's younger brother Jason gave an emotional tribute, sharing memories from their childhood. "The impact my brother had during his remarkable life, it’s always been really difficult to comprehend," he said.

"Although the last few weeks and the tributes and tonight has brought it all into sharp focus. Shane has connected with us all in many ways. Whether it being entertained by his amazing exploits on the cricket ground, through the time he spent and putting a smile on the face of many children, or the times he’s met you in person, made you feel special, the tributes that have flowed over the past few weeks have been extremely heartfelt...He will leave a massive hole in my life that will never be filled. I will always love him and always miss my big brother. Rest in peace, mate."

Also read: From Sir Elton John to Coldplay's Chris Martin - Artists who paid tributes to Shane Warne

"Warnie, I remember was always extremely competitive and everything possible to disturb opposition, to dismiss them, he would do," Tendulkar said. "When someone batted well he was the first one to walk up to you and congratulate. That is how our friendship and respect for each other was. Warnie, my friend, I will miss you. I will miss you big time. You will continue to live in my heart. May your soul rest in peace," the Master Blaster added.

Warne's three children Brooke, Jackson and Summer paid an emotional tribute to their father. Summer spoke about the last time she saw her father, just two days before his tragic passing. She said, "That song, Summer of ‘69, played on Wednesday, March 2, two days before your passing. And the last time I saw my dad. You were coming to pick up your bag you needed for Thailand. And as I opened the door you came inside and had your car door wide open blaring that song. You started dancing and singing with true happiness all around you. With the smile that lit up the whole room.

"We both started dancing with room. We both started dancing with not a care in the world, and couldn’t stop laughing with each other. Looking back on that memory now, and it is so incredibly special as you, as the year you were born was 1969 and a verse in that song is, 'When I look back now, that summer seemed to last forever. And if I had a choice I’d always want to be there. Those were the best days of my life," an emotional Summer said.

Warne's son Jackson paid tribute to his father and called him "the best dad anyone could have asked for". In his tribute, Jackson added, "It feels just like yesterday that we were looking at each others cards playing poker, eating pizza while watching the Saints. I'm never forget how much fun we had doing simple things, grocery shopping, watching movies or going for walks during lockdown. We didn't have to do much to be happy. Life was so easy and peaceful with you in it. You never pressured me into playing cricket and all you ever wanted for me was to be happy. You watched me for hours and hours building Lego. You would play Super Smash Bros with me. We would play Monopoly and you could give me a chance to winment we were both so happy."

"In one of the first games of cricket I ever played, you told me, 'Just go out there and have fun because when you're happy, good things will happen.' So that was the mindset I had for that game. I ended up taking a hat-trick and that's a memory I will never forget. You were so proud of me."

Warne's eldest child, Brooke, was the last to pay an emotional tribute to her father."My Dad just wanted to be the best Dad he could be. He would always want to play games, take us to parks, watch movies, and chill around the house. At the end of the day, he just wanted to be our Dad. He wanted to be a part of our lives in every possible way. We were so lucky."

"Dad was our shining star in life and now he’s shining down on all of us. We will do you so proud, Dad and we are so proud of everything you have achieved. We’re going to do what you always told us - try our best and we will try our best to live in a world without you. I love you always, Dad," she added.

McGuire closed the service with a touching eulogy of his own, saying: He mixed with superstars and who became one himself. Following McGuire's speech, Warne's three children officially unveil the new Shane Warne Stand at the MCG, with the Frank Sinatra classic 'My Way' playing in the background.