The TV home of Shane Warne, Fox Sports, has expressed its sadness at the sudden loss of one of its closest family members and favourite sons of Fox Cricket.
Warne, who passed in the early hours of Saturday, was one of the greatest players in cricket history with an international career that spanned 15 years. The iconic leg-spinner was the first bowler to reach 700 test wickets and was an inspiring figure who transcended cricket in Australia and internationally, becoming one of the nation’s most-loved figures.
A Fox Sports montage remembering the Fox Cricket contributor
Shane Warne worked with Fox Sports as an expert commentator since 2018 and had just finished calling The Ashes Series, captivating viewers in Australia and around the world.
In the commentary box, Warne was a devoted, loyal and passionate member of the team who added insight and analysis across all formats of the sport. He was a natural caller and student of the game with a knack for predicting big moments before they would occur.
Shane Warne bows to the crowd at the end of day three of the fifth Ashes Test Match between Australia and England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, 2007 in Sydney. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Fox Sports programmed a two-hour special to first screen at 2pm Saturday which is now available on-demand for Foxtel and Kayo subscribers. The program will feature members of the Fox Sports cricket team paying tribute to their colleague.
Mark Howard hosting Fox Cricket’s Shane Warne tribute
Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said: “He was The King, Warnie. He could teach you more about cricket in a half-hour commentary stint than any coach could teach you in a lifetime. He was a wonderful mate. A beautiful person. A scallywag. We loved him and he loved us. We will miss Shane every day.”
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said: “Our nation has lost an icon in Shane Keith Warne. And for us at Foxtel and Kayo, the loss is heavy.
“Warnie was the favourite son of Fox Cricket. One of our family. A once in a lifetime genius of our national game, on and off the field. A larger-than-life personality with charisma to spare. A colleague, a mate.
“Today, the Fox Sports team are grieving at the news of Shane’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family and those closest to him. We have lost a giant. Rest in peace, Warnie.”
See also: Shane Warne – Media roles beckoned after record-breaking cricket career ended