Updated On: 05 March, 2022 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Praising him as inspiration to backyard cricketers across the country, Morrison described a larger-than-life character who lit up each Australian summer

Scott Morrison | File Pic
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday said Australians were "bewildered" by a "sad and sudden loss" of Shane Warne, and announced the cricketing hero would receive a state funeral. "He was one of our nation`s greatest characters," Morrison said, marking the 52-year-old`s death. Praising him as inspiration to backyard cricketers across the country, Morrison described a larger-than-life character who lit up each Australian summer.
"His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all." In recognition of Warne`s "national achievements his family will be offered a state funeral," Morrison said in a statement. "This will be done in consultation with the Warne family," he said, promising to "ensure we honour Shane`s passing and memory." Morrison -- who recently tested positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation -- compared Warne to all-time great and fellow Australian Don Bradman. "There was none like Shane," Morrison said."He lived his life his way. He had his great achievements, but also his regrets.