BGT 2024-25: Why does the MCG crowd doff their hat at 3:50 pm to commemorate late Shane Warne? 

The crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) paid tribute to the late spinner Shane Warne with their gesture during the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia. They have honored Warne's legacy by tipping their hats at 3:50 pm - a nod to Warne's Test cap number 350.

Born in Victoria, MCG was Warne's home ground as he gained prominence as a legendary spinner, with 708 Test wickets in 145 games. He was also a capable batter, scoring 3,154 runs with 12 fifties. However, Warne unfortunately passed away in 2022 due to a heart attack at the age of 52.

This year's tribute was led by Warne’s children, Jackson and Brooke, as the crowd joined them soon with a round of applause.

Check out the video of the tribute below:

A similar honor was bestowed on Shane Warne during the last two editions of the Boxing Day Tests as well. The crowd paid homage to the cricketing legend during Australia's clashes against South Africa and Pakistan in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Warne scalped 56 wickets in 11 games in MCG, with best figures of 7/52. He claimed a hat-trick on the same venue in December 1994 against England.

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Shane Warne has a stand named after him in MCG

Australia v South Africa - Second Test: Day 1 - Source: Getty

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) named its southern stand after the late Shane Warne, after his state funeral in 2022, to honor his international accomplishments. Interestingly, Warne claimed his 700th Test wicket in front of his home fans in 2006 against England.

In October 2024, Cricket Victoria and the St Kilda Cricket Club announced renaming a stand at the Junction Oval in Melbourne after Warne. It all happened during Victoria's clash against New South Wales, with the legendary spinner's father and two daughters attending the unveiling. Australian captain Pat Cummins, veteran Steven Smith, and Glenn Maxwell also took part in the ceremony.