Great Southern Stand at MCG to be renamed in Shane Warne's honour

It was at the MCG where Warne claimed his 700th Test wicket and also claimed an Ashes hat-trick. He already has a statue outside the ground

The Great Southern Stand at the MCG is to be renamed in Shane Warne's honour, it has been confirmed.

Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria, made the announcement on Saturday morning following the sudden death of the great leg-spinner.

It was at the MCG where Warne took his 700th Test wicket and also claimed an Ashes hat-trick. He already has a statue outside the ground.

"The S.K. Warne Stand will be a permanent tribute to an amazing Victorian," said Andrews.

"To us, he was the greatest – but to his family, he was so much more. Our hearts are breaking for Shane's family and friends – and they are in the thoughts of all Victorians.

"Victoria has lost an icon. Australia has lost a legend. And the entire cricket world is mourning the loss of the King."

I’ve just informed the Warne family that the Government will rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG - the place he took his hat trick and 700th wicket - to honor Shane and his contribution to the game.

The S.K. Warne Stand will be a permanent tribute to an amazing Victorian.

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 5, 2022

Warne, who played 145 Tests for Australia, suffered a suspected heart attack while in Koh Samui in Thailand.

Andrews added that Warne's family have been offered a state funeral. Scott Morrison, the country's Prime Minister, stated that it would be organised by federal and Victorian governments, Cricket Australia and the family of "one of our greatest cricketers of all time".

He said: "[Warne's] achievements were the product of his talent, his discipline and passion for the game he loved. But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane was one of our nation's greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all. Australians loved him. We all did."