Recognised for his captivating leg spin and exuberant demeanour, the late Shane Warne possessed the ability to read both his opponents and the game. One specific instance from a 2011 Big Bash League (BBL) game served as a live illustration, though. Fans and analysts were astounded by his real-time prediction and execution of Brendon McCullum’s expulsion.
In the Brisbane encounter, the Melbourne Stars, under the leadership of Shane Warne, took on the Brisbane Heat.
Talking on the microphone with the commentators, Warne was getting ready to bowl to McCullum in the tenth over. Concerning McCullum, Warne responded, “It’s possible he’ll try to go inside out again a little harder or maybe shape a sweep after that first one.” I therefore want to try to quickly slide one in there. Having read McCullum’s plans, Warne had foreseen the future.
The former New Zealand batsman attempted a sweep shot in the same delivery. Warne did, however, toss a slider that pitched around the middle and leg stump, and it did so faster and flatter. With a quick spin, the ball smashed into the off stump, beating McCullum’s bat.
The King of Spin talking through his dismissal of @Bazmccullum on the mic, legendary👑 #GOAT𓃵
RIP @ShaneWarne 💔 pic.twitter.com/5Plq2CjSuC
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) March 5, 2022
After scoring 36 off 25 balls, McCullum, who had been playing well, left the pitch. This dismissal demonstrated Warne’s genius as well as a turning point in the game.
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The Brisbane Heat finished the game at 169-7, missing their goal of 178 despite heroic efforts from Ryan Harris (25 off 20) and Michael Neser (30 off 21).
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