Shane Warne inspired a generation with his remarkable skill and accuracy in the art of leg-spin bowling.
On this day in 1993, the legendary spinner left the cricketing world in disbelief by bowling the Ball of the Century to Mike Gatting on Day two of the first Test of the Ashes series at Old Trafford, Manchester.
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The ball drifted away, pitching well past the leg stump, and spun back to hit the off stump, a dream delivery for any leg spinner.
It's 25 years today since THAT ball!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 4, 2018
Mike Gatting recalls Shane Warne's "ball of the century"... pic.twitter.com/UqhRwyxraU
He was adjudged the player of the match for his eight wickets across innings and enabled the visiting side to a 179 run victory.
"This day changed my life 28 years ago (1993)," wrote Warne. "I was just 23 years old and playing in my first ever Ashes series & this was my first ball. Still can’t believe it happened. Thanks for missing it Mr Gatting & making this ball become what is now known as the ball of the century hahaha"
The spin maestro started his Ashes journey on a promising note after he burst onto the scene of international cricket after being picked in the Australian squad to battle against the formidable Indian line-up in 1992.
In a glittering career spanning over 15 years, Warne has been at the forefront of many famous Australian victories.
Such was the impact of the leg spinner on world cricket that he finished his career with 708 Test match wickets with a skill set that is regarded as one of the most challenging prowess to master.
Watch some of the BIGGEST Spinning deliveries of all time here:
[Video hosted on England and Wales Cricket Board's Youtube]
