Warne had us all bowled over

WHEN you meet people for the first time and they find out what you do for a living, some ask what is the greatest sporting event you have ever attended?

Mine isn’t a football match. It was the cricket World Cup semi-final in 1999 between South Africa and Australia at Edgbaston.

The Proteas were coasting to victory until Shane Warne (above) took the ball. Forty-odd without loss chasing just 214.

A few overs later and Herschelle Gibbs, Gary Kirsten and Hansie

Cronje are back in the hutch after the blond bombshell weaved his magic. He ended by taking 4-29. The man-ofthe-match award was a formality.

That his death sent shockwaves around the world shows the indelible mark he left on not just those who played with and against him, but also on those who love the sport.

And it would be fitting if there were some way his impact on cricket could be recognised.

Maybe at Old Trafford where he delivered the ball of the century – or in the cricket museum at Lord’s.

Or even how about re-naming the one-dayers between England and Australia as the Shane Warne

Trophy? For all he gave us over the years, it’s the least we can do.

IT isn’t business as usual at Chelsea. It is the end of a monstrously successful era and cracks will inevitably appear now the security blanket provided by Roman Abramovich’s cash has gone.

It just will. There will be new people in charge, a whole new financial structure and fresh pairs of eyes looking at the club.

Abramovich’s ownership wasn’t normal. A few years ago, he pumped in £200million, swapping that cash for equity. That’s not normal.

Setting aside the situation in Ukraine for a moment, Chelsea have been so fortunate – and good luck to them.

But anyone thinking it will be business as usual at Stamford Bridge will be sadly mistaken.