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Warne's exit

The Hindu has gladdened the hearts of all cricket-lovers by paying well-deserved, handsome tributes to spinner Shane Warne who is all set to take his 700th test wicket (editorial "Next only to Bradman," Dec. 22). The Australian cricketer has mesmerised the most talented of batsmen and unnerved, with his wily variations in length, line and movement, almost everyone who faced him.

K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore

Warne's decision to bid adieu to international cricket has come as a bolt from the blue. Nevertheless, the timing is perfect. What a way to exit — an Ashes win and a probable 700 wicket-plus. The magician spinner breathed life into the dying art of leg spin. Who can forget the delivery he bowled to Mike Gatting in 1993 at Old Trafford?

V. Srinivasa Rao,
Mbeya, Tanzania

Warne's ability to turn and tweak the ball on even the most unhelpful pitch is uncanny. His wide variety of deliveries, including the famous flipper, left the batsmen guessing. His delivery to Gatting in Old Trafford was called "the ball of the century." It pitched quite outside the leg stump and spun sharply to knock off the off-stump bail.

R. Tamizhmarai,
Tiruchi

Cricket has seen many outstanding spinners. Our country has produced a few legends but why does Shane Warne stand apart? Because, there is a not a single dull moment when he is in action. Even when he bowled long spells without taking wickets, he sustained the crowd's interest in his bowling. He is a genius; cricket may have to wait for long to see another bowler like him.

S. Rajagopalan,
San Ramon, California

Warne's announcement comes at a time when cricketers are reluctant to retire long after their form is all but gone. His decision is certainly worth emulation. He is a complete spinner and thinking bowler. We are fortunate to have seen such a genius in action.

A.P. Thiruvadi,
Chennai

The legendary bowler, who took to leg-spin bowling as duck takes to water, has been a great source of entertainment for cricket lovers. Though Australia will not lose its tag of invincibility with Warne gone, thanks to its effective long-term strategy of grooming youngsters, the cricket world devoid of him will be lacklustre indeed.

S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet, T.N.

Warne who blazed a trail of glory, has created a legend which will perhaps sound like a fairytale for generations of cricket lovers. At 37, when he is in the height of glory, he has set an example to others by deciding to retire — after the Sydney Test match where he will flex his shoulders in a final twist to conquer the final frontiers of cricketing history.

H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana,
Anand

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