Cricket legend

Fans snap up tickets to pay respect to Warney

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said 42,300 people have already snapped up a free ticket for the event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Wednesday.

It will be the wider public's first chance to say goodbye to Warne after his shock, sudden death from a suspected heart attack while staying at the Thai resort island of Koh Samui on March 4.

Patrons will need to be fully vaccinated to attend the service, which is expected to run for two hours.

Rather than flowers, Warne's family has asked people to donate to The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

'Simply the best' - Shane Warne farewelled in private funeral

Warne, one of the finest bowlers of all time whose talent and personality transcended cricket, died about two weeks ago at the age of 52 while on holiday on the Thai resort island of Koh Samui. Thai authorities said an autopsy showed his death was from natural causes and Warne's family later accepted the findings.

About 80 people attended the service including retired Australian Test captains Mark Taylor, Allan Border and Michael Clarke, while former England skipper Michael Vaughan was also present.

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar among latest Covid-19 infected

Tendulkar, who will turn 48 next month, retired from the professional game in 2013 after notching a still unmatched 100 international centuries in a prolific 24-year career.

He returned to the crease recently as captain of the India Legends team in a promotional event called the Road Safety World Series in Raipur, in the state of Chhattisgarh.

"I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure Covid is kept at bay. However, I have tested positive today following mild symptoms," Tendulkar said on his Twitter handle.