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OTD: 20 Years Ago, Spin King Shane Warne Reached 600 Wickets, Sealing Cricket Immortality

Akshita Patel

When Shane Warne reached 600 wickets [Source: @ICC/X.com]When Shane Warne reached 600 wickets [Source: @ICC/X.com]

On August 11, 2005, Shane Warne created history by becoming the first bowler ever to take 600 wickets in Test cricket. The Australian leg-spin wizard achieved this iconic feat while playing the third Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford when he got the opening batsman Marcus Trescothick out.

The 2005 Ashes series was already one for the ages. Australia won the first Test convincingly, while England bounced back with a thrilling two-run victory in Birmingham. The series was level at 1-1 going into the third Test, and Warne was just a single wicket away from history.

When Shane Warne Made History With Magical 600th Wicket

On a pitch perfect for batting, England captain Michael Vaughan won the toss and decided to bat first. After an early setback, Vaughan and Trescothick built a strong partnership. 

Shane Warne was brought into the attack after 33 overs of pace bowling, and the crowd sensed something special might happen. In his fifth over, Warne tossed up a delivery way outside off stump. The ball spun sharply back into Trescothick, who tried to sweep but only managed an edge to Adam Gilchrist behind the stumps. 

History was made, and Warne had his 600th wicket. Arms raised high, Warne was surrounded by ecstatic teammates, while the Manchester crowd gave him a standing ovation. He even took off his hat to thank the fans, making it a moment etched forever in cricket history. 

Warne picked up four wickets in England’s first innings, scored a gritty 90 with the bat, and made vital runs in the fourth innings to help Australia save the Test.

Though England went on to win the series 2-1, Warne ended with 40 wickets at a brilliant average of 19.92. He later went on to claim 700 Test wickets, finishing his career with 708, second only to Muttiah Muralitharan.