Shane Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, is being remembered on March 30 at a memorial service in Melbourne.
News of Warne’s death shocked the world, with the leg-spinning ace suffering a suspected heart attack at the untimely age of just 52.
Warne was the source of many batters’ nightmares, claiming over 700 test wickets and more than 1,000 when combined with One Day Internationals.
Now, to honour the life of the man from Victoria, a special two-hour memorial is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The choice of location is symbolic - it is where Warne took his 700th Test wickets and played his domestic cricket for Victoria.
The scale of Warne’s legacy to the people of Melbourne and beyond is clear to see, with 50,000 tickets having been sold for the event.
Live broadcasts are being beamed to other major Australian cricket grounds, including the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Gabba and the Adelaide Oval to allow fans from around the country to watch together and pay their respects.
Celebrities such as Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, James Packer, Eric Bana, Greg Norman and Kelly Slater are all in attendance.
Ahead of the memorial, Shane’s son Jackson Warne has paid an emotional tribute to his father about the significance of the memorial being held at the MCG.
What has Jackson Warne said about Shane Warne's memorial?
“We've been lucky enough to come here our whole life and watch him play and put lots of hard work in on this very ground where we’re standing," said Jackson.
“He’s done a lot of great things here - he got his 700th wicket, he’s made a lot of Victorians, Melbournians and Australians proud here, on the very ground we’re standing on.
“And, he’s got a statue out the front and to have a grandstand named after him now, it’s just unbelievable.”
Jackson and his father were close, often hanging out together at events, sports games and in the great outdoors.
Although a sad affair because of the loss, the memorial is also a celebration of Shane’s life.
Jackson was spotted carrying two cases of vodka mixers into the family home on March 30 ahead of the event.
In total, Shane leaves behind three children - Brooke, 24, Jackson, 22 and Summer, 20.
Who is performing at the memorial?
Eddie McGuire, whose production company has been at the helm of the event’s organisation, said “Elton John, Chris Martin, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran will be singing dedicated songs to Shane Warne in his memory and for this particular night”.
Some stars are expected to be in person, while international ones are due to perform over video, either taped or live.
