The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

A cricketing genius who lived a life of 'no regrets'

  • Written by David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University
a cricketing genius who lived a life of 'no regrets'

When the news broke[1] it was tempting to conclude swiftly that Shane Warne died as he had lived. On holiday in Thailand, nudge nudge. The tabloids, especially in Britain where he lived much of his life, had luridly chronicled his life[2]. Many may have speculated that he died living life to the fullest.

As it turned out, Warne, who was just 52, had declared he was on a serious health kick[3], trying to lose weight and get in condition. Previously, he had even managed to turn weight loss into a scandal, when he failed a drugs test[4] at the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa and was sent home. He was ridiculed for blaming his mother[5] for recommending the banned diuretic.

To say Warne was no stranger to controversy is as banal as observing that he was a superlative cricketer. One of five Wisden Cricketers of the [20th] Century[6], cricket fans pore over his bowling record with the same forensic eye as the paparazzi tracked his carousing. It was Warne who delivered the “ball of the century” in 1993, perhaps the most famous dismissal in modern cricket, to a perplexed English captain, Mike Gatting. It was a piece of sporting sorcery that will never be forgotten.

These contrasting images lead us to ask who is Shane Warne, and why does he matter so much to so many?

Warnie: the soap opera

There are few sportspeople interesting enough to have an entire musical devoted to them, but Eddie Perfect found plenty of material for his 2008 production Shane Warne: The Musical[7]. Its subject may be much admired by cricket followers around the world, but he is also well known to a much wider audience precisely because he has generated so much tabloid fare.

Warne was flawed but lovable, and utterly brilliant on the field. AAP/AP/M. Lakshman

Warne is often presented as the lovable larrikin[8], a masculine archetype long celebrated in Australia. This is a colonial-era image of young men who mocked the stuffy propriety of the British with cheeky, anti-authoritarian attitudes and behaviour.

Perfectly suited to play a key role in the “postcolonial pantomime[9]” that is the Ashes cricket series, he was loud, untidy, disrespectful and, crucially, very good at beating the Poms at their own game.

Warne was radically different from other Australian cricket heroes like Sir Don Bradman[10] and Richie Benaud. When the latter died in 2015, I reflected[11] on his transition from on-field rebel to sober commentator.

Shane Warne also made the move to television commentary, but whereas Benaud offered dignified consideration, Warne was animated and opinionated. Restraint was never part of Warne’s armoury, although his successful career as a professional poker player[12] and the subtlety of his bowling were evidence of a shrewd, calculating mind behind the brash exterior.

A tribute to Warne at the MCG includes, fittingly, a can of beer and a meat pie. AAP/Joel Carrett

But Warne was a different type of larrikin from older cricketers like Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh, who died[13] on the same day in a different time zone.

Lillee and Marsh were creatures of the cricket world, aggressive practitioners[14] of the art of demolishing opposition teams.

Read more: Cricket, commentary and the dollar: Benaud's legacy is complex[15]

Warne moved well beyond this sphere, as the emergent global sport star system[16] fully embraced gossip-based entertainment.

He was both product and producer of the sporting celebrity that now moves effortlessly across the cultural landscape. He unblushingly endorsed hair loss treatment[17]. Warne’s doomed engagement to British film star Liz Hurley[18] was a classic case of a relationship conducted largely in the media spotlight.

The arrival of social media, and the pocket cameras always on hand to upload “evidence” of a transgression, was crucial in shaping the world’s knowledge of Warne the man when he was not performing astonishing feats on the cricket field.

He is, therefore, much closer to the postmodern cohort embodied by “bad as I wannabe” US basketballer Dennis Rodman[19] than traditional Australian sporting larrikins.

More than just a cricketer

There is no need to persuade cricket fans to remember Shane Warne. His phenomenal record places him firmly in the cricket pantheon. But he is also important to sport in general and beyond the world of bat and ball.

Warne reminds us that sport is always much more than performance on the field. It is not just a question of what is done, but how. There is as much fascination with the back story as the big game.

An indifferent student from suburban Melbourne, Warne was socially mobile purely because of his sporting prowess. This everyman did extraordinary things with bravado, but was also a flawed personality. From his ill-advised early fraternisation with bookmakers[20] to his feuding with past and current players[21], Warne became Warnie, almost a caricature of the sporty Aussie bloke loved by some and disdained by others.

Warne compulsively sought and attracted attention. Despite his expression of sadness about his family relationships in the documentary Shane[22], he insisted “I smoked, I drank, I bowled a bit. No regrets[23]”.

Onlookers alternatively admire and criticise this life led on its own terms. It is in the conversational space between that Warne lives on.

References

  1. ^ news broke (www.news.com.au)
  2. ^ chronicled his life (www.dailymail.co.uk)
  3. ^ health kick (www.news.com.au)
  4. ^ drugs test (www.smh.com.au)
  5. ^ blaming his mother (www.news.com.au)
  6. ^ Wisden Cricketers of the [20th] Century (www.espncricinfo.com)
  7. ^ Shane Warne: The Musical (www.stagewhispers.com.au)
  8. ^ larrikin (www.google.com.au)
  9. ^ postcolonial pantomime (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ Sir Don Bradman (catalogue.nla.gov.au)
  11. ^ I reflected (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ poker player (www.worldpokertour.com)
  13. ^ died (www.bbc.com)
  14. ^ aggressive practitioners (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ Cricket, commentary and the dollar: Benaud's legacy is complex (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ sport star system (www.routledge.com)
  17. ^ hair loss treatment (www.advancedhair.com.au)
  18. ^ Liz Hurley (www.thesun.co.uk)
  19. ^ Dennis Rodman (www.amazon.com.au)
  20. ^ bookmakers (www.theage.com.au)
  21. ^ players (www.news.com.au)
  22. ^ Shane (www.imdb.com)
  23. ^ I smoked, I drank, I bowled a bit. No regrets (www.youtube.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/vale-shane-warne-a-cricketing-genius-who-lived-a-life-of-no-regrets-178603

The Times Features

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping