OTD – Shane Warner became the first bowler to take 600 Test wickets

On this day in cricket history, August 11, 2005, the legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne etched his name in the record books by becoming the first bowler to take 600 wickets in Test cricket. Warne, a master of spin, achieved this remarkable feat during the third Test of the 2005 Ashes series.

Shane Warne’s influence on the game was profound, and his ability to mesmerize batters with his craft was unmatched. Born with a natural flair for spin bowling, Warne quickly rose to prominence as a key player in Australia’s dominance of world cricket throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His blond hair and larger-than-life personality made him a crowd favourite, but it was his skill with the ball that truly set him apart.

The 2005 Ashes series was a rollercoaster of emotions for cricket fans, with Warne playing a pivotal role. By the time the series reached the third Test at Old Trafford, Warne was sitting on 599 Test wickets, just one shy of the historic 600 mark. England, having won the toss, elected to bat first, and Warne knew that his moment was near.

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England’s opening batter, Andrew Strauss, fell early, but Marcus Trescothick, in partnership with captain Michael Vaughan, launched a counterattack. The duo stitched together a rapid 137-run stand, with Trescothick smashing a century in the process. Warne found himself under pressure as the English batters took the attack to him.

Recognizing the need for a change in strategy, Warne switched to bowling around the wicket. The adjustment paid off in his fifth over when Trescothick, attempting a sweep, misjudged the bounce and the ball brushed his gloves. Adam Gilchrist took a sharp catch and with that Shane Warne claimed his 600th Test wicket.

Warne didn’t stop there. He went on to take three more wickets in the innings, finishing with figures of 4 for 99. Despite Warne’s efforts, England posted a formidable total of 444, largely thanks to Vaughan’s 215-ball 160.

Throughout the 2005 Ashes, Warne was in scintillating form. He had already taken 16 wickets in the first two Tests at an astonishing average of 15.31. His heroics at Edgbaston, where he picked up 6 for 46 in the second innings, had kept Australia in the hunt.

Shane Warne ended his illustrious Test career with 708 wickets, second only to Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who claimed 800 Test wickets. Warne’s impact on cricket was not just about numbers; it was about the magic he brought to the game. 

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