Fans, family, famous to bid Shane Warne farewell at state memorial
Cricket
Australia says farewell to late Shane Warne with thousands of people at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
MELBOURNE (AFP) - Australia says farewell to the late Shane Warne on Wednesday with tens of thousands of people at Melbourne Cricket Ground for a televised state memorial service featuring stars such as Elton John and former partner Liz Hurley.
The legendary cricketer died at a luxury resort in Thailand earlier this month from a suspected heart attack aged 52, eliciting shock and grief around the world from his millions of fans as well as prime ministers, rock stars and fellow players.
The larger-than-life king of spin bowling is being honoured in a state service that will be played live to cricket grounds around the country and televised in Australia and internationally.
More than 51,000 free tickets have been snapped up for the two-hour service, which starts at 7:00pm (0800 GMT) after a minute s silence.
Those attending have been urged to wear their cricket kits.
"This is going to be one of the great events in the history of the city in this country in many ways, a tribute to a champion," said television presenter, former Australian rules football player and Warne friend Eddie McGuire, who will host the event.
A stand at the famous MCG is to be named after Warne, who in the eyes of many is second only to legendary batsman Don Bradman in Australia s long list of sporting greats.
"Shane Warne s family members will speak about their beloved father, son and brother before the night concludes, with Mr Warne s children formally unveiling the MCG stand named in honour of Mr Warne," the Victorian government said.
"In recognition of Mr Warne s achievements and legacy, his family have requested that public attendees come to the state memorial dressed in their cricket gear."
Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran will sing "dedicated songs" to Warne, said McGuire. They are expected to appear remotely by video.
Cricketing greats Brian Lara, Nasser Hussain and Wasim Akram are among an array of sports stars joining the service, too, he said. Australian media said the trio would be in Melbourne.
Warne s former partner, the British actress Hurley, is not expected to attend but will reportedly feature in the service.
Credited with reviving the art of leg-spin, Warne took 708 Test wickets as part of a dominant Australian Test team in the 1990s and 2000s before becoming a respected commentator.
Before the state service in his memory, Warne s family, friends and teammates mourned him at a private funeral on March 20.
