Shane Warne 350: Why Fans At MCG Gave Tribute to Australian Great At Exactly 3:50 PM?

Shane Warne given tribute [Source: @debasissen/X.Com]

In a heartwarming tribute on Day 1 of the Boxing-Day Test, the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) stood up to applaud their greatest hero and arguably one of the best cricketers of all-time, Shane Warne.

The fans took a moment to raise their hats to mimic Warne's wicket-taking celebration at exactly 3:50 PM local time. The tradition began during the Boxing-Day Test match in 2022, and since then it has continued on every 26th of December in memory of Warne, who passed away two-years ago. The play was halted at this time as the entire MCG stood up to applaud the magician himself.

But why did the fans pay tribute at exactly 3:50? What is the significance of this particular time for the Aussies?.

The significance of 3:50 tribute time

Shane Warne was Australia's 350th Test player when he made his debut and as a result of this, the MCG crowd gives him a fitting tribute at 3:50 PM. 

Apart from this, the MCG arranged for a special video of Shane Warne, highlighting his illustrious career and all of his marvellous achievements.

How the Day 1 panned out between India and Australia

Australia batted first after winning the toss and the openers - Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja made most of the opportunity by adding 89 for the first wicket.

Konstas, who was making his Test debut scored a brisk 60 off 65 balls and was also involved in a heated altercation with Virat Kohli. Australia had the upper hand before Jasprit Bumrah brought the visitors back in the contest by picking up 3 quick wickets, including that off Travis Head for a duck.

The hosts finished Day 1 on 311/6, with Steve Smith still batting at 68 and eyeing his second successive century.

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