The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
Retirement of Shane Warne
The Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp today praised the contribution of Australian cricketer Shane Warne who this afternoon announced his retirement from Test and Australian domestic cricket.
The test wicket world record holder and proud Victorian announced his retirement this afternoon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the scene of so many of his incredible performances.
“Shane is widely regarded as the world’s greatest-ever bowler and was recently voted one of Wisden’s five greatest cricketers of the 20th century alongside Sir Donald Bradman,” Senator Kemp said.
“It is most fitting Shane is likely to take his 700th test wicket at the Boxing Day test in Melbourne in front of an expected 100 000 spectators.
“Shane’s 143 test matches have marked him as one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes. He will be remembered as one of cricket’s best team men and a great tactician of the game. He has also forged a reputation as a sound batsmen and one of Australia’s best slips fieldsmen.
“Few Australian sportsmen have consistently performed to the level Shane has for such an extended period.”
Warne’s retirement closely follows Australia’s compelling win in the third Ashes test in Perth which also saw Australia secure the Ashes after losing it in England last year.
MELBOURNE
21 December 2006
Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276