MEMORIES OF CRICKET’S

SHANE WARNE’S impact on the game of cricket continued to be remembered as the world tries to come to terms with his sudden passing.

And Ben Stokes lifted the lid on how Warne’s charm and character off the field was still influencing the game by the way he worked with players as a coach or mentor.

Warne was the head coach at London Spirit in The Hundred, but it was at the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL where the pair worked together and Stokes got a glimpse into what made him the greatest.

“The belief he showed on the cricket pitch was reflected in the Royals changing rooms,” said Stokes (above with Warne).

“He made everyone feel like they were the best player in the world.

Legend

“You can totally see why he was so successful. The spirit and competitiveness was genuine, it wasn’t a mask or anything to hide insecurities.

“He was just so genuine and it rubbed off on others. A genuine legend and sad loss for cricket.

“He made some amazing memories on the cricket field, and everyone could relate to him.

“Having got to know him personally it was obviously a shock and very sad.”

The view of Stokes (above) is echoed by Chris Tremlett who was guided by Warne when he played for Hampshire.

Tremlett even credits Warne with helping him make a breakthrough with England. “It was 2005 and

I had just got picked for England for the first time,” said Tremlett (with Warne, main picture).

“He wrote a little message for me in his book, ‘I hope the penny has dropped mate’, and then signed it.

“I will never forget that. Even when he retired and I was playing for England, I would always catch up with him and listen to his advice. He wasn’t just a great cricketer, he was a good friend off the pitch as well.

“He was very tough on me [at Hampshire], but I always listened to him.

“He was certainly the most inspirational and influential person in my career.

“Would I have played for