Australia vs England locked horns in the 4th Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2025, with England winning the toss and bowling first. Australia managed 152 all out in 45.2 overs, skittled by England’s pace attack led by Josh Tongue‘s 5/45, before slumping to 110 in 2nd innings, visitors now trail by 38 runs as the hosts are at 4/0 at the end of the day. Day 1 unfolded amid raw drama on the pitch and an emotional tribute that paused the action.
Emotional tribute to Shane Warne on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test
At exactly 3:50pm local time, the massive MCG crowd rose in unison, tipping their hats in Shane Warne‘s signature style—a poignant nod to his Australian Test cap number 350. Cricket legends including Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan, and Ian Botham joined fans, creating a sea of hats across the stands, with Warne’s children Jackson and Brooke leading the ceremony. This tradition, started post-Warne’s 2022 passing, featured a special video montage of his career highlights, halting play briefly as big screens replayed his magic.
England’s Barmy Army had pledged this homage earlier, transcending Ashes rivalry to honour the leg-spin maestro who tormented their batters. Health stations around the ground promoted heart checks, tying into Warne’s legacy foundation. The moment drew global acclaim, with social media buzzing over the “beautiful scenes” amid a record Ashes crowd.
Here’s the video:
A record #Ashes crowd tip their cap to Shane Warne at 3:50pm, a nod to his cap number being 350. pic.twitter.com/ML38iLQ5D9
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2025
Also WATCH: Josh Tongue stuns Steve Smith with unplayable delivery on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test | AUS vs ENG
Warne’s legendary Test legacy
Warne revolutionized leg-spin, claiming 708 Test wickets—the most by any bowler until surpassed—across 145 matches from 1992 to 2007, with an average of 25.41. He snared 37 five-wicket hauls and 10 ten-wicket matches, including a career-best 8/71, tormenting England most with 195 dismissals in 72 Tests at 23.25 average. Warne’s flair peaked in Ashes battles, like his “Ball of the Century” to Mike Gatting in 1993, reviving spin bowling’s artistry.
Debuting as Australia’s 350th capped player, he took 195 wickets at the MCG alone, blending whopping accuracy with showmanship. Post-retirement, Warne’s commentary wit endeared him further, while statues and a stand at MCG immortalize him. His void lingers, but tributes like this ensure the “King of Spin” endures.
