Shane Warne has ensured Boxing Day 2006 will be marked as one of the most famous days in cricket history by capturing his 700th Test wicket in front of a rapturous 90,000-strong crowd at the MCG.
Andrew Strauss was the fall guy as Warne, as he has done on countless occasions throughout his Test career, answered his captain's call and in doing so thrilled his beloved home crowd by giving them a memory they will cherish forever.
After receiving a standing ovation when brought into the attack in the 41st over of the day by captain Ricky Ponting, Warne struck with the second ball of his fourth over.
The delivery was not in the league of his famous Gatting ball, but it comprehensively defeated Strauss.
The delivery was trademark Warne in its deception and illusion. It was a fullish, quicker delivery which lured Strauss onto the front foot but he played all around the dipping ball, allowing Warne to break through his gate and rattle his middle stump.
An emotional Warne celebrated the moment by sprinting in a circle back to the top of his run-up where he was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates in front of the Great Southern Stand.
For the second time in the day, Warne received a standing ovation from his home crowd.
Warne said at his retirement press conference last week that he could not have given any more to cricket. On Boxing Day, he proved even himself wrong.
