Giving It All Away

Shane Warne with Sachin Tendulkar, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, February 2001

Photograph: Mark Ray (Copyright)

Despite my slightly cynical words earlier in the week, the sight of Warne and McGrath coming off the field together at the conclusion of the England second innings was definitely one of those moments in time which will linger in the memory. It was also good to see Justin Langer being applauded to the wicket by the England players as he came out with Hayden to knock the runs off.

After the victory was secured it all got a bit much, but, for the three men leaving the stage in the Sydney sunshine, it was the way they would have wanted to go.

It's one of the many unimpeachable beauties of cricket that it usually handles the passing of its greatest figures with dignity and style.

This was no exception.