Career Timeline of Shane Warne: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Shane Warne made an impact.

Shane Warne, an Australian cricketer from 1992-2007, is considered one of the greatest of all time. A right-arm leg spin bowler and lower-order batsman, he played for Victoria, Hampshire, Melbourne Stars, and Australia. Warne captained and coached the Rajasthan Royals, leading them to victory in the inaugural IPL season, demonstrating his skill as well as leadership in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1983: First Representative Cricket Honour

In the 1983-84 season, Shane Warne received his first representative honour, playing for the University of Melbourne Cricket Club in the Victorian Cricket Association's under-16 Dowling Shield competition.

1987: Played Football for St Kilda Under-19s

During the cricket off-season in 1987, Shane Warne played five games of Australian rules football for St Kilda Football Club's under-19s team.

1987: Australia's Previous World Cup Win

In 1999, during the lead up to the Cricket World Cup, it was noted that Australia were attempting to win their first Cricket World Cup since 1987.

1988: Promotion to St Kilda Reserves and Football Career End

In 1988, Shane Warne played for St Kilda Football Club's under-19s team and was promoted to the reserves, playing one game before St Kilda delisted him, leading him to focus on cricket.

1989: Stint at Imperial Cricket Club

In 1989, Shane Warne spent six months in Bristol, playing for the Imperial Cricket Club in the Western League, taking 49 wickets at 15.22.

February 1991: First-Class Cricket Debut

On 15 February 1991, Shane Warne made his first-class cricket debut for Victoria against Western Australia at Junction Oval in Melbourne, taking 0/61 and 1/41.

September 1991: Selection for Australia B Team

In September 1991, Shane Warne was selected for the Australia B team, touring Zimbabwe.

December 1991: Played for Australia A Against West Indies

In December 1991, upon returning to Australia, Shane Warne played for Australia A against a touring West Indian side, taking 3/14 and 4/42.

1991: Joins Accrington Cricket Club

In 1991, Shane Warne joined Accrington Cricket Club of the Lancashire League as their professional player, taking 73 wickets and scoring 329 runs.

January 1992: International Debut

On 2 January 1992, Shane Warne made his international debut in the third Test match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, taking 1/150.

August 1992: Match Winning Spell Against Sri Lanka

On 22 August 1992, during the tour of Sri Lanka, Shane Warne took the last three Sri Lankan wickets without conceding a run in the second innings, contributing to a 16-run Australian win.

1992: Accrington Cricket Club Decline to Re-engage Warne

In 1992, Accrington Cricket Club decided not to re-engage Shane Warne because they expected their professional to contribute as both a batsman and bowler.

1992: Shane Warne's International Career Start

In 1992, Shane Warne began his international cricket career, which would continue until 2007.

1992: Recalled for Boxing Day Test

In 1992, Shane Warne was recalled for the Second Test against the West Indies in Melbourne, a Boxing Day Test, where he took 7/52 in a match-winning performance in the second innings.

1992: Return to the Australian Cricket Academy

In 1992, Shane Warne was recalled to the Australian Cricket Academy, where he honed his leg spin abilities under Terry Jenner.

March 1993: ODI Debut

In March 1993, Shane Warne made his One Day International debut at Wellington, taking two wickets.

1993: Player of the Series vs New Zealand and Record Wickets

In 1993 when New Zealand toured Australia, Shane Warne took 18 wickets and was named Player of the Series and Warne took 72 Test wickets, a then-record for a spin bowler in a calendar year.

1993: "Ball of the Century"

In 1993, During the Ashes series, Warne bowled the "Gatting Ball", known as the "Ball of the Century", which dismissed Mike Gatting.

1993: South Africa's tour of Australia

In 1993, Shane Warne featured in South Africa's tour of Australia.

1993: "Ball of the Century" and First Ashes Series

In 1993, during Australia's Ashes tour of England, Shane Warne bowled the "Ball of the Century" to Mike Gatting and claimed 34 wickets in the series, leading all bowlers.

March 1994: Australia's return tour of South Africa

Shane Warne featured in Australia's return tour in March 1994.

October 1994: Tour of Pakistan

In October 1994, Shane Warne participated in Australia's tour of Pakistan, taking 18 wickets.

1994: Career-Best Figures and Test Hat-Trick

In 1994, during the Ashes series in Australia, Shane Warne took a career-best 8/71 in the first Test and his first and only Test hat-trick in the Second Test.

1995: West Indies Tour

In 1995, Shane Warne toured the West Indies, taking 15 wickets in four Tests, and Australia defeated the West Indies in a Test series for the first time in almost 20 years.

1995: Home Series Against Pakistan and Sri Lanka

In the Australian summer of 1995–96, Shane Warne took 11 wickets in the first Test against Pakistan and was named player of the series, and he took 12 wickets against Sri Lanka across the three Tests.

1996: 1996 Cricket World Cup

In 1996, Shane Warne was a key member of Australia's squad for the Cricket World Cup, taking 12 wickets, including 4/36 in the semi-final against the West Indies. Australia lost the final against Sri Lanka.

1996: Home Series Against West Indies

In the southern summer of 1996–97, Shane Warne took 22 wickets in the five-Test series against the touring West Indies, which Australia won 3–2. In the One Day series, Warne collected his only ODI five-for, against the West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground, cleaning up the middle-order and tail to finish with 5/33.

1997: Wickets in New Zealand and South Africa series, Media Criticisms

During the Australian summer of 1997–98, Shane Warne took 19 wickets in the three-Test series against New Zealand in Australia. He also took 20 wickets in three Tests against South Africa, including his 300th Test wicket, becoming the second Australian after Dennis Lillee to reach this milestone. In late 1997, Warne faced media criticism for his weight, but was also recognized as one of Australia's three most influential cricketers.

1997: Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World

In 1997, Shane Warne was named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World.

1997: Australian tour of South Africa and the Ashes series in England

In early 1997, Shane Warne took 11 wickets in Australia's three-Test tour of South Africa, which Australia won 2–1. During the northern summer of 1997, Warne played in the Ashes series in England, performing well in the Third Test at Old Trafford with nine wickets and claiming seven wickets in the Fifth Test at Trent Bridge as Australia secured the Ashes. Warne finished the series with 24 wickets at an average of 24.04.

1998: Appointment as Vice-Captain

In 1998, after Mark Taylor's retirement, Steve Waugh was appointed as the Australian captain, and Shane Warne was promoted to vice-captain.

1998: Tour of India and Surpassing Lance Gibbs' Record

In early 1998, Shane Warne toured India with the Australian team. Due to disliking Indian food, he had tinned spaghetti and baked beans flown in from Australia. With key pace bowlers injured, Warne bowled more overs, taking 10 wickets but conceding 54 runs each. His dismissal of Rahul Dravid in the final Test at Bangalore marked him surpassing Lance Gibbs' tally of 309 wickets, making Warne the most successful spin bowler in Test Cricket. Despite this, Australia lost the series.

January 1999: Return to International Cricket in Fifth Ashes Test

In January 1999, Shane Warne returned to international cricket in the fifth Test of the Ashes series in Australia after recovering from injury. He played alongside Stuart MacGill at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where MacGill took twelve wickets and Warne took two.

1999: 1999 Cricket World Cup performance

In 1999, Shane Warne participated in the Cricket World Cup held in the United Kingdom. Before the tournament, the ICC fined Warne and gave him a suspended ban for comments about Arjuna Ranatunga. He took 12 wickets in the group and Super Six phases. Warne played a key role in the semi-final against South Africa, taking 4/29 and being named man of the match. In the final against Pakistan, Warne took 4/33 and was again named the man of the match, contributing to Australia's victory. Warne finished the World Cup with 20 wickets, tying for the most wickets in the tournament.

1999: Warne Captains Victoria

In 1999-00 season, Shane Warne captained Victoria.

1999: Struggles Against the West Indies and Dropping From Team

In early 1999, Shane Warne struggled in the series against the West Indies, leading to calls for his removal from the team. For the final Test, he was replaced by Colin Miller, which strained his relationship with Steve Waugh. Warne's form recovered in the One Day International series against the West Indies, where he took 13 wickets.

1999: Tour of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe

Later in 1999, Shane Warne was retained as Australia's vice-captain for the tour of Sri Lanka, where he took eight wickets across three Tests, as Australia were defeated 1–0. The Australians then toured Zimbabwe, where Warne took six wickets, as Australia won the only Test.

March 2000: Leading Wicket-Taker in New Zealand tour

In March 2000, Shane Warne took 15 wickets in Australia's tour of New Zealand, contributing to Australia winning the series 3–0. In the first Test at Eden Park, Auckland, Warne surpassed Dennis Lillee's 355 wickets to become Australia's leading-ever wicket-taker.

2000: Finger Injury and Selection for India Tour

During the Australian summer of 2000–01, Shane Warne missed games with a finger injury, he battled Stuart MacGill and Colin Miller to be selected for the tour of India.

2000: Joined Hampshire, Awarded ODI Player of the Year

In 2000, Shane Warne joined English county side Hampshire for the northern summer. During the county season, reports of Warne sending lewd SMS messages to an English nurse emerged. In 2000, the ACB awarded Warne the Men's ODI Player of the Year at the Allan Border Medal ceremony.

2000: Signed with Hampshire County Cricket Club

In 2000, Shane Warne signed a $400,000 contract to play for Hampshire County Cricket Club in England.

2000: Wisden Cricketer of the Century

In 2000, Shane Warne was chosen as one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Century.

2001: 2001 Ashes Series Performance

During the English summer of 2001, Shane Warne played in the Ashes series, taking 31 wickets at 18.70 in the five-Test series, which Australia won 4–1. He took three five-wicket hauls and collected eight wickets in each of the First and Third Tests. In the final Test at The Oval, Warne took 11 wickets and reached his 400th career Test wicket, becoming the first Australian to reach this milestone.

2001: Tour of India

In early 2001, Shane Warne toured India, taking 10 wickets over the three-Test series at an average of 50.50. The series was dominated by Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, and Australia lost the series 2–1.

2001: Home Series Against New Zealand and South Africa

In the 2001–02 Australian summer, Australia played home series against New Zealand and South Africa. Shane Warne took six wickets in three Tests against New Zealand. He was caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Daniel Vettori for 99 runs in the third test, being one run short of a maiden Test century. He took 17 wickets in the three Tests against South Africa.

February 2002: Leading Wicket-Taker in South Africa Series, Ricky Ponting Appointed Captain

In February 2002, Shane Warne was the leading wicket-taker with 20 dismissals in the three-Test series against South Africa. Also in February 2002, Ricky Ponting replaced Steve Waugh as captain of Australia's ODI squad, seemingly ending any prospect of Warne ever being appointed captain.

March 2002: South Africa Series

In March 2002, Shane Warne was the leading wicket-taker when Australia played a three-Test series in South Africa.

October 2002: Series Against Pakistan in Neutral States

In October 2002, Australia played a three-Test series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Shane Warne took 27 wickets and was named Man of the Match in both the First and Third Tests. He was also selected as the Player of the Series.

November 2002: Ashes Series

In November 2002, Shane Warne returned to Australia for the 2002-03 Ashes series against England. In the first Test, he scored 57 with the bat.

2002: Warne Appointed as Victoria Captain Again

In the 2002-03 season, Shane Warne was again appointed to captain Victoria.

2003: Commentator and Consultancy Role

During his suspension in 2003, Shane Warne worked as a television commentator for the Nine Network and consulted for the St Kilda Football Club.

February 2004: Return to Competitive Cricket

In February 2004, Shane Warne returned to competitive cricket following his ban. In March, he became the second cricketer to take 500 Test wickets during the series against Sri Lanka. Warne was named player of the series.

March 2004: Return to Test Cricket

Shane Warne did not play another Test for Australia until March 2004 after suffering a shoulder injury in December 2002.

October 2004: Record for Most Test Wickets

On 15 October 2004, Shane Warne broke the record for most career wickets in Test cricket during the second Test against India at Chennai. His dismissal of Irfan Pathan marked his 533rd wicket, surpassing Muttiah Muralidaran's previous record. Australia won the series 2–1, their first series win in India since 1969. Warne's performance in India was an improvement on his previous performances.

2004: Return to Hampshire as Captain

In 2004, Shane Warne returned to Hampshire County Cricket Club as the captain.

2004: Series against New Zealand and Pakistan

In 2004, Shane Warne took 11 wickets at 23.27 against New Zealand in a two-Test series, which Australia won 2-0. Later in 2004, he took 14 wickets at 28.71 against Pakistan, contributing to a 3-0 series sweep for Australia.

2004: Included in Richie Benaud's Greatest XI

In 2004, Shane Warne was included in Richie Benaud's Greatest XI, and was chosen as the best spin bowler of all time.

2004: Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World

In 2004, Shane Warne was named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World by Wisden.

2004: Aid for Tsunami Victims

In 2004, Warne joined Muttiah Muralidaran in humanitarian efforts to help Sri Lankans affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. His foundation donated AU$20,000 to rebuild Galle International Stadium.

2004: Shane Warne Foundation Launch

In 2004, Warne launched the Shane Warne Foundation to assist seriously ill and underprivileged children.

2004: Sri Lanka Tour of Australia

In 2004, during Sri Lanka's tour of Australia, Shane Warne took 10 wickets at 28 runs in the series.

January 2005: World Cricket Tsunami Appeal

In January 2005, Warne was named in the World XI squad during the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal tournament, held in Melbourne, to raise funds for post-tsunami relief efforts.

July 2005: Departure from Nine Network

On July 13, 2005, Nine Network announced it would not renew Warne's commentating contract due to incidents in his private life.

August 2005: 600th Test Wicket

On August 11, 2005, during the Third Ashes Test at Old Trafford, Warne became the first bowler in cricket history to reach 600 Test wickets. In the same test in August 2005, Warne scored 90 first innings runs, helping Australia avoid the follow-on and draw the match.

2005: Australian Home Summer

During the 2005-06 Australian home summer, Warne performed well against the touring World XI, West Indies, and South African teams. In 2005, he took six wickets in the only Test against the World XI, 16 wickets across three Tests against the West Indies, and led the Australian wicket-takers with 14 wickets against South Africa.

2005: BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year

In 2005, Shane Warne was named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.

2005: ICC World Test Team of the Year & Wicket Record

In 2005, Warne was named in the ICC World Test Team of the Year XI for his performances. Also, in 2005, he broke the record for the number of wickets in a calendar year, taking 96 wickets.

April 2006: South Africa Tour

In March-April 2006, Warne played a three Test series in South Africa. In April 2006, Warne achieved series-best figures of 6/86 in Durban, helping Australia win by 112 runs, and was named Man of the Match.

December 2006: Retirement Announcement and 700th Test Wicket

On December 21, 2006, Warne announced his retirement at the end of the 2006-07 Ashes series. On December 26, 2006, he took his 700th Test wicket, bowling Andrew Strauss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the first time a player had reached 700 Test wickets. He finished that day with 5/39.

2006: 2006–07 Ashes series victory

At the end of Australia's 2006, and beginning of 2007 Ashes series victory over England, Shane Warne retired from international cricket.

2006: Ashes Series

In the 2006-07 Ashes series, during 2006, Warne initially had an indifferent Test performance in Brisbane and a poor first innings in Adelaide. However, his second-innings performance, including bowling Kevin Pietersen, triggered England's collapse and Australia's win. Warne also bowled well in the third Test's second innings, taking the final wicket of Monty Panesar as Australia regained the Ashes.

2007: Kath & Kim and A Question of Sport Appearances

In 2007, Shane Warne made a cameo appearance on the Australian sitcom Kath & Kim and appeared on the BBC Television panel game A Question of Sport.

Loading Video...

2007: Warne's Last Season with Hampshire

In 2007, Shane Warne played his last season with Hampshire, concluding his time with the team that began in 2004.

2007: Retirement from International Cricket

In 2007, Shane Warne retired from international cricket after Australia's Ashes series victory over England in 2006-07.

2007: End of Shane Warne's International Career

In 2007, Shane Warne's international cricket career concluded, marking the end of his time playing for Australia.

2007: Warne-Muralidaran Trophy and ODI XI

In 2007, the Australia–Sri Lanka Test cricket series was named the Warne–Muralidaran Trophy in honor of Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralidaran. Additionally, Cricket Australia named Warne in their greatest ODI XI of all time in 2007.

2008: Signed by Rajasthan Royals

In 2008, After retiring from international cricket, Warne was signed as the captain of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for US$450,000. He led the Royals to victory in the first season.

2008: Rejoining Nine Network

In 2008, Warne rejoined Nine Network and continued as a member of its commentary team.

2009: Honorary Life Membership of Marylebone Cricket Club

In 2009, Shane Warne was awarded honorary life membership of Marylebone Cricket Club.

2009: Signing with Sky Sports

In 2009, Warne was signed by Sky Sports.

November 2011: Melbourne Stars

In November 2011, Warne was signed as a player for Melbourne Stars in Australia's inaugural Big Bash League (BBL).

December 2011: Statue Unveiled at Melbourne Cricket Ground

On 22 December 2011, a statue honouring Shane Warne was unveiled outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The bronze statue, sculpted by Louis Laumen, depicts Warne's bowling action.