Legend's digital recreation captivates 90,000 fans on day two, blending nostalgia with modern tech in cricket's heartfelt homage.
A holographic tribute to Shane Warne lit up the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2025, during the fourth Ashes Test, evoking cheers and tears from 90,112 spectators. The 15-minute exhibit, projected on the Great Southern Stand, recreated the leg-spinner's iconic 1993 "Ball of the Century" to Mike Gatting, marking three years since his passing at 52.
Cricket Australia partnered with tech firm Holotech for the display, using archival footage and AI to simulate Warne's wry commentary. Unveiled at lunch, it drew standing ovations, with players pausing mid-session. Warne's family attended, sharing stories of his 708 Test wickets and 1999 World Cup heroics.
The event ties to Ashes tradition, where Warne's rivalries with England defined eras. Day two's play—Australia collapsing to 132—mirrored his flair for drama. Tributes extended online, with #Warnie trending globally, amassing 5 million mentions.
This innovation highlights cricket's embrace of holograms, following IPL's 2024 trials. Warne's legacy—inducted into ICC Hall of Fame—endures through academies training 10,000 juniors yearly.
The MCG moment reaffirms sport's emotional core, bridging generations in a $2 billion Australian industry.
