A showman in life and death, Shane Warne has been remembered as a cricket legend, loveable larrikin and devoted dad at a state memorial in Melbourne.
About 55,000 people flocked to the MCG for Wednesday's service after the spin king's death, at age 52, from a suspected heart attack in Thailand on 4 March.
In a touching speech, Keith Warne led tributes and described his son's death as the "darkest day in our family's life".
"Mate, your mother and I can't imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken," he said.
Warne's father spoke of his son's community work after Victoria's devastating and deadly 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and using his unsuspecting younger brother, Jason, to hone his love for outwitting opponents.
Warne's children - Jackson, Summer and Brooke - unveiled the renamed Great Southern Stand as the Shane Warne Stand after each delivered emotional speeches.
Brooke, Jackson and Summer Warne, the son and daughters of Shane Warne unveil the Shane Warne Stand during the State Memorial Service for cricket legend Shane Warne at the MCG in Melbourne, 30 March, 2022. Source: AAP / JOEL CARRETT
As well as cherishing the lighter moments, she said her father helped her cope during difficult times.
"You told me that I could either live with these demons or fight with them and come out stronger at the end. You saved me, Dad. You truly did," Summer said.
'His legacy lives on'
Musician Elton John followed a minute's silence with a pre-recorded version of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
"It's a sad day today but it's not in some ways because his legacy lives on," the singer said.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sang a remote rendition of Yellow, while singer Robbie Williams performed a stirring in-studio version of Angels.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman added his voice to the chorus of a virtual tributes, saying Warne made the most of every second in his 52 years.
"Man, he sucked the marrow out of life. There was no one like you, Warnie, and never will be again," he said.
The State Memorial Service for cricket legend Shane Warne at the MCG in Melbourne, Wednesday, 30 March, 2022. Source: AAP / JOEL CARRETT
Others at the MCG, the site of Warne's hat-trick in 1994 and 700th Test wicket in 2006, included former Australian captain Allan Border, ex-English skipper Nasser Hussain and West Indian great Brian Lara.
Friend and former St Kilda footballer Aaron Hamill gave an insight into Warne's larrikin nature, when the cricketer served as his best man and leaned in for a hug just before the nuptials.
"He said 'mate, it's not too late' and, Shane being Shane, he pulled out two passports. He managed to get his hands on my passport as a bit of a gag," Hamill said.
'I just had to be here'
Among the crowd on Wednesday night was Angadh Oberoi and his father, Harry.
"I idolised Shane from the moment I remember playing cricket, from when I was about six or seven years old, until his passing," he told SBS News ahead of the service.
"So, I just had to be here."
Mr Oberoi wore one of Warne's Indian Premier League (IPL) jumpers bought during a charity auction.
"I bought [it] a few years ago and always wanted to get him to sign it, but missed the opportunity ... so what better way to remember him than by wearing it on this day," he said.
Angadh Oberoi pictured with his father, Harry, at Shane Warne's memorial service at the MCG. Source: SBS News
"I love Shane Warne. He is a really big inspiration to me, because I bowl leg spin — not as good as him. But he’s just a legend. And I think it’s a good thing that we all came here."
Tim Jebakumar also said Warne was a "big inspiration" for him growing up.
"I’ve never had the chance to see him in person. This is, I guess, the last time I get to do that. I’m here to pay my respects," he said.
Ravi Krishnan knew Warne for over 26 years. The former vice chairman of the Rajasthan Royals cricket team flew back from India to attend the memorial.
Ravi Krishnan, former vice chairman of the Rajasthan Royals went to school with Shane Warne and knew him for over two decades. Source: SBS News
"I was lucky enough to spend moments with him all the time. The one thing was, he was just a good bloke."
Mr Krishnan said he think it's "incredible but not surprising how many people are turning out".
"I think in India and places around the world, people will be glued to their TV sets. Because he was so loved."
With Phillippa Carisbrooke.
