Shane Warne’s Family Responds to Heartwarming Fan Tribute in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lankan cricket fans have paid a small but meaningful tribute to Shane Warne and it didn’t go unnoticed by the leg-spinning legend’s family.

Warne, who famously struggled with elements like the food when he travelled to the subcontinent early in his career, eventually fell in love with the region.

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Among his contributions to Sri Lanka, Warne helped raise $1 million to help rebuild the stadium in Galle following the devastating Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

Linking up with his spin-bowling rival turned great friend Muttiah Muralitharan, Warne visited the region and helped brighten the spirits of the people in the cricket-mad country.

“I just wanted to help and I said to Murali, what can I actually do?” Warne said in an interview with Channel 9’s 60 Minutes at the time.

Shane Warne with local children during his visit to the tsunami-hit Galle cricket ground. Photo: News CorpSource: News Corp Australia

“He said ‘you just being here will actually help because people love you in this country, they love what you do and how you do it’.

“They love watching you bowl and they think you’re OK.”

It seemed that love was still well and truly felt when the current Australian team commenced the first Test against Sri Lanka at that Galle stadium, where they are competing for the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.

On day one on Wednesday, a large banner with the words “Shane Warne Stand” was placed on the historic Galle Fort that overlooks the stadium.

The ‘Shane Warne Stand’ in Galle. Photo: Channel 7Source: Channel 7

On day two, the sign had moved to the small stand next to the Galle Cricket Club, on the western side of the ground.

Australia has made a strong start to the match, declaring its first innings on a mammoth 6/654 late on day two.

In response, the hosts are in trouble at 3/31 nearing stumps.

Warne died at the age of just 52 while holidaying in Thailand on March 4, 2022.

While the Shane Warne Stand at the MCG was a thrilling honour for the late cricketer’s family, it appears they were just as touched by this small, poignant gesture in Sri Lanka.

“Hello everybody, I just wanted to quickly share this photo with you guys,” the legend’s son, Jackson Warne, said on a video on Instagram.

“This is a sign in honour of dad that the Sri Lankans have made for the Australia versus Sri Lanka Test.

“This is their first Test match in Galle … just wanted to share it with you guys because I think it’s awesome.

“So thank you to the Sri Lankans that have done this, it looks amazing.”

The 25-year-old went on to say he had taken note of the colours of the banner.

“And if you notice as well, the colours are actually red, white and black, which is the colours of the Legacy and also the colours of St Kilda Football Club,” Jackson added.

“So shout out to you guys, it looks awesome and dad would be so happy.”

Shane Warne was a massive fan of the Saints and initially dreamt of a footy career before discovering his ability with the cricket ball.

Warne leaves the field after taking his 500th career wicket in Galle. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)Source: Supplied

Steve Smith and Dhananjaya de Silva with the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Among the thousands of comments on the video, Jackson’s sister Brooke wrote: “Amazing Jacko.”

Comedian Merrick Watts also wrote: “That’s brilliant!”

A number of other cricket fans also wanted to pay their respects to the man and the gesture.

“This is true respect amongst the game that we desperately need. Your dad was an inspiration to multiple generations of cricket lovers and you and your sisters are carrying his legacy like absolute legends. Keep up the fantastic work mate!” was one comment on Instagram.

“Brilliant for the brilliant man,” wrote another.

“Legends acknowledging another Legend,” stated a third.

“No one forgets your dad’s help during the Boxing Day tsunami devastation back in 2004. So grateful for that,” wrote a fourth.

Tina Brown, an Australian lifestyle and fashion creator, also posted a message referring to her trip to Sri Lanka on Boxing Day last year.

Jackson, Summer (left) and Brooke in front of the Shane Warne Stand. Picture: Jason EdwardsSource: News Corp Australia

Nathan Lyon has a chance to break Warnie’s record in Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Her video from that day featured a Sri Lankan tour guide standing across from the stadium and her caption read: “26th Dec 2004 Sri Lanka had a devastating Tsunami. Today is the 20 year anniversary of this terrible day.

“We recently visited the Tsunami museum and did a tour of Galle. Everyone here is just so thankful to Shane Warne for all his support during this terrible time.

“We heard countless times ‘where are you from – Australia – oh we love Shane Warne’.

“His help has not been forgotten and he will always be in the people of Sri Lanka’s hearts.”

Simone Callahan, Warne’s ex-wife, was among those commenting on Brown’s post at the time, adding four hearts.

Warne holds the record for the most Test wickets by an Australian in Sri Lanka with 37.

It’s a number Nathan Lyon, the country’s most prolific spin bowler since Warne, is likely to break in this two-match series.

Entering the series with 35 wickets on Sri Lankan soil, Lyon has already picked up one scalp in Sri Lanka’s first innings.