Shane Warne, the Australian spin legend, has left his mark in international cricket owing to his excellent bowling skills. He is best known for his great control of the ball coupled with great spin and accuracy. This combination is challenging to attain by the best of leg-spinners. His swagger while walking towards the crease and bowling action made him a stylish bowler.

Happy Birthday, Shane Warne!

The Australian leg-spinner finishes the half-century of his life!

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Childhood and Personal Background

Shane Keith Warne was born on the 13^th September 1969 to Keith and Bridgette Warne in Ferntree Gully, Victoria. He attended the Hampton High School and then shifted to Mentone Grammar after receiving a sports scholarship. He joined the St Kilda Cricket Club. He has also played football in 1987 and 1988 for the St. Kilda Football Club under 19. He then trained for cricket in AIS Australian Cricket Academy in 1990. Shane Warne married was married to Simone Callahan till 2005, and they have three children: Brooke, Summer and Jackson. He was also engaged to Liz Hurley.

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Initial Years in Cricket

Warne was an absolute hit between the spectators as he walked into the cricket pitch for the first time. After playing just seven matches in the Sheffield Shield domestic club, Shane was selected for the Australian cricket team. His debut was a test match against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1992. His first year did not go well, but he displayed his full potential in the Ashes series of 1993. One of the greatest achievements of Warne was the ‘Ball of the Century’ against Mike Gatting in this series. After that, there were only a handful of batsmen who were able to handle the spinner’s wrath. He was in his full potential during the World Cups of 1996 and 1999. The semi-final against the West Indies during the World Cup 1996 is said to be one of his best bowling spells.

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The Controversies of Shane Warne

Shane Warne’s list of controversies began in 1994 when he was accused of bookings along with Mark Waugh. His most prominent controversy that brought his career to a standstill is the 2003 World Cup substance ban. He admitted to taking certain diuretics to get in shape. This ban was extended to a year.

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Shane Warne has been a controversy king since his prominent years. Despite this, he is still loved and respected for his skills. Many look up at him as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history. Shane Warne’s journey as he hits a half-century of his life is a fascinating and interesting one.

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