Shane Warne, Meg Lanning recognized in Queen's Birthday Honors List
Late Shane Warne and Australia women's team captain Meg Lanning have earned a spot in the Queen's Birthday Honors for their contribution to cricket and the community. Warne, the greatest leg-spinner of all time, passed away in March this year due to a heart attack in Thailand. He has been recognized on the honors list for his cricket achievements and off-field contributions.
Warne has been appointed an Order of Australia (AO) posthumously for his "distinguished service to cricket as a player, role model and commentator, and to the community through charitable initiatives". Meanwhile, Lanning has been awarded Member (AM) in the General Division for "significant service to women's cricket at the elite level". Doug Walters and Muriel Picton are the other cricketers to be honored.
Australian legend Shane Warne passed away of a "suspected heart attack" earlier this year. Warne, who died aged 52, is one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time. His record of 708 Test wickets is second to none among wrist-spinners. Warne took a record 1,001 wickets from 339 internationals at 25.51. He is the only leg-spinner with as many international wickets.
In 2020, Warne auctioned his baggy green to raise money for bushfire victims. The cap generated over AUD$1 million, the highest price for an Australian sports memorabilia. Moreover, his Shane Warne Foundation supported ill and underprivileged children in Australia.
Warne's philanthropy gave a boost to quite a few organizations. The Australian legend helped the 'My Room Children's Cancer Charity' and was a long-time supporter of 'Challenge' (helped kids with cancer). As per ESPNcricinfo, Warne also made sporadic appearances at fundraising events for charity, including Elton John AIDS Foundation, Australian Red Cross, Scope, and the Small Steps Project.
Lanning has led Australia to three T20 World Cup titles (2014, 2018, 2020) and as many Ashes wins (2015, 2019, 2021-22). Under her, Australia Women also registered a record-breaking 26-match winning streak in ODIs. Lanning has an incredible win percentage (88.66) in ODIs as captain (66 wins in 75 matches). The 30-year-old is Australia's leading run-scorer T20I cricket.
