WATCH: From Shane Warne’s ball of the century to Mike Gatting, fans celebrate 30th anniversary of iconic moment

4th June holds a special place in the hearts of Australian cricket fans as it was the day when one of their greatest players, Shane Warne, stunned the world with his exceptional bowling skills. It was during a tense Ashes series that a young Warne stepped up to deliver his first ball, forever inscribing his name in cricket history. Moving towards the wicket, Warne released the ball, which pitched outside leg stump and spun to cut the off stump. This mesmerizing performance took not only Mike Gatting and the crowd but also umpire Dickie Bird by surprise.

Reflecting on the iconic moment, the Australian legend took to Instagram to express how the delivery changed his life. “This day changed my life 28 years ago (1993). I was just 23 and playing in my first #Ashes series, and it was my first ball. Still can’t believe it,” Warne wrote. Well that happened. Thank you. Missing it Mr. Gatting and making this ball what is now known as the #BalloftheCentury hahaha.”

Origin of the surname ‘SKY’ _
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This and much more in rapid-fire with ____ @surya_14kumar ___ – By @rajal arora #TeamIndia , #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/AgKJN7oErg– BCCI (@BCCI) June 2, 2023

Renowned leg-spinners Anil Kumble and Mushtaq Ahmed shared their views on the legendary delivery. Ahmed praised Warne as a remarkable bowler and considered the ball a dream delivery. He commented, “He was a great bowler, no doubt about it. When I saw that delivery, it felt amazing because it was a dream ball.”

Kumble acknowledged the exceptional nature of the delivery and stressed its importance in the Ashes series. “That was one ball that was definitely different. There have been many similar bowled outs since then, but yes, an important Ashes series, the first ball from an Australian spinner playing on his debut in England,” he said. Ahmed further said that the delivery was impossible and unmatched.

“It will always be a miss. Virat Kohli was bowled by Adil Rashid in an ODI in England, and Yasir Shah bowled to Kusal Mendis – these are the kind of balls we legspinners dream of. I used to bowl my googly out The batsman drops it, and it comes suddenly between the legs to destroy the stumps. It cannot be matched. Shane’s ball will be a delight to watch even after 60 years,” commented Ahmed.