London, June 3 : Hosts England and touring New Zealand cricketers found a unique way to celebrate the life and times of legendary Australian spin wizard Shane Warne, who died of a suspected heart-attack in March while he was vacationing in Thailand. On the opening day of the first Test between the Ben Stokes-led England and the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, the cricketers from both sides stood in attention for 23 seconds in the 23rd over, even as thousands of spectators at Lord's too clapped for the legendary cricketer, who passed away at 52 years of age on March 4. England vs New Zealand 1st Test 2022 Paused After 23 Overs for 23 Seconds As Tribute to Shane Warne (Watch Video).

The giant Lord's screen showed glimpses of the life of Warne, while the billboards read, "Shane Warne 1969-2022." The legendary spinner, the second-highest wicket-taker in Test history at 708 after Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), wore the No. 23 jersey during his playing days, in honour of his childhood hero, Australian rules footballer Dermott Brereton. Nasser Hussain Impressed With Ben Stokes’ Captaincy but Rues England’s Familiar Batting Fragility.

"Earlier in the day, the main commentary box in the JP Morgan Media Centre was renamed after Warne in a partnership between the Marylebone Cricket Club and Sky Sports," a report in Sky Sports said. The image was also re-tweeted by Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals, who wrote, "23 seconds in the 23rd over. At the @HomeOfCricket. #ForWarnie." Warne had guided the Royals to their first and only IPL title in its inaugural year in 2008.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2022 04:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).