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Australian media on Wednesday acclaimed Shane Warne becoming the first bowler to take 700 Test wickets as Australia took an early grip on the fourth Ashes Test against England.

The Australian newspaper said Warne’s legendary status in Test cricket stems from his ability to dominate and succeed when he has no right to.

“It was as if he knew the overhead conditions and greenish colour on the pitch would ensure it was a day for those who landed the ball on the seam, not flicked it out of the back of the hand,” the newspaper said.

“He will not remain Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker for long, as Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan has 674 wickets and is closing in at remarkable speed,” it explained.

“However, in virtually all other criteria it’s difficult to argue against Warne being the greatest spin bowler the game has seen,” it added.

The Daily Telegraph said the chilly wet opening day was not conducive for a leg-spinner.

“A green wicket, an icy day, a wet ball and a triumphant leg-spinner … it embodied the way Shane Warne has changed cricket,” it said.

“It was one of life’s sweet coincidences that in taking his 700th wicket Warne gave us all a lesson on what’s different about him to those who preceded him and the poor souls who will follow,” it explained.

“Yesterday was not a day for leg-spin. The ball was wet, the air was cold and Warne looked stiff as a post in his first over. But, as is most often the case, he came through it,” it added.
Source:The News