‘The 500’ club of Test cricket

Shane Warne

Warne is probably one of the most flamboyant and talented cricketers ever

The Australian spin wizard is arguably the best exponent of leg spin in cricket. He was single-handedly responsible for revitalising the art of leg-spin and bringing it to the forefront once again.

Shane Warne mesmerised everyone with his trademark walk-up to the stumps, his legendary drift and prodigious turn that produced some of the most spectacular dismissals.

The flamboyant leggie, owner of 'the ball of the century' that he bowled to Mike Gatting, had once confessed to having nightmares of Sachin Tendulkar hitting him all over the park. However, there would have been a lot more batsmen who would have had nightmares of Warne dismissing them. Just ask Daryl Cullinan or Andrew Strauss.

The Aussie was as famous for his unruly behaviour off the field as he was for his bowling. He never captained his side although he had an acumen for it – perhaps a direct result of his off-field antics.

The champion leg-spinner finished his career with an astonishing 708 Test scalps in 145 Tests. In addition, he also scored 12 fifties, with 99 being his highest score.