Warne to enter Sports Australia Hall of Fame in October

LONDON - Australian spin legend Shane Warne was thrilled yesterday when he was told that he would be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in October.

“That’s fantastic news. It will be an absolute honour and privilege to join so many great Australian sportsmen and women in the Hall of Fame. So many of my sporting heroes are already in the Hall of Fame. Cricketers like Dennis Lillee and Ian Chappell were my boyhood heroes. It will be an honour to join them,” said Warne, who is widely acknowledged as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

As one of Wisden’s five best cricketers of the 20th century, he doesn’t need any more endorsements to affirm his status in the game.

“I am really looking forward to the night. Glenn McGrath and myself were lucky enough to receive the Don Award last year and it was a superb night to be there with the who’s who of Australian sport,” Warne added.

Warne has received rave reviews for his commentary on the Ashes series, but said he had no plans for a full-time career behind the microphone.

“I have really enjoyed the experience. Sky has been great to work for. I have had a fabulous time working with David “Bumble” Lloyd. He’s a lot of fun,” Warne said.

Warne said he would again work for Channel 9 during the Australian summer, but scoffed at the suggestion he might be the next Richie Benaud.

“There’s only one Richie,” he said.

Warne will be one of eight champions to be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at its 25th anniversary dinner.

Two existing members will be elevated to Legend status, joining the likes of Greg Norman, Rod Laver, Dawn Fraser and Bart Cummings.

In addition to the Warne announcement, Hall of Fame chairman and yachting great John Bertrand yesterday revealed a major coup in a tough economic environment, welcoming Etihad Airways as Sport Australia’s major sponsor. (ANI)