Boxing Day Test Memorable Moments #14 – Warne’s arrival

In the lead in to the 2012 Boxing Day Test, Cricket Victoria is counting down the 20 most memorable moments from the MCG.

Named one of the seven wonders of the sporting world in 2009, the ‘G plays hosts to Victoria’s international schedule each year and the Boxing Day Test is the jewel in the international calendar.

For further information on this year’s international fixtures at the ‘G, click here.

On the morning of the final day of the 1992 Boxing Day Test, Shane Warne’s career was in the balance.

Two sessions later, Victoria would have a new favourite son.

With his position in the side in jeopardy, having just been recalled to the side after being dropped and having taken 5-451 in Tests to that point, Warne bamboozled the West Indians with 7-52, kick-starting a legendary career.

Twin centuries from Allan Border (110) and Mark Waugh (112) against an attack led by Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh guided the home side to a first-innings total of 395.

Warne gave no sign of what was to come in the West Indian’s first dig, picking up the sole wicket of Ambrose as Craig McDermott (4-66) and Merv Hughes (3-51) restricted the tourists to 233.

The Windies were set 359 to win after Australia could only post 196 in their second innings.

At 1-143 on the final day, with Phil Simmons and captain Richie Richardson in control, it appeared that the West Indies would record a comfortable victory before Warne turned the match just before lunch with a flipper that Richardson did not read and it cannoned into his stumps.

Warne then weaved a spell over the West Indians, as they lost 9-76, with the 23-year-old leg spinner finishing off the match with 4-3 from the Great Southern Stand end.

Watch Warne’s seven wickets at http://cricvi.co/Ul1znO

Will you be there at the 2012 Boxing Day Test to see this year’s moment?

Book your tickets at http://cricvi.co/QdOzBY

#15 – Ponting at his finest http://cricvi.co/11uTQbK
#16 – Yallop’s marathon http://cricvi.co/VeU14C
#17 – South Africa’s finest win http://cricvi.co/TweTVo
#18 – Dodemaide’s debut http://cricvi.co/V7XvrR
#19 – Tendulkar masterclass http://cricvi.co/QoLCPe
#20 – Pattinson and Siddle lead the attack http://cricvi.co/V9SUc9