Australian cricket legend, Shane Warne, was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Thailand following a suspected heart attack. Video / AP / Getty / NZ Herald
Game recognises game.
NBA legend Michael Jordan sent flowers to Shane Warne's family after the world said goodbye to the cricket icon at a public memorial on Wednesday night.
More than 50,000 people attended the MCG and millions watched on TV as they listened to Warne's mates tell hilarious stories and his family deliver heartbreaking eulogies.
His children Brooke, Summer and Jackson spoke beautifully and Brooke revealed on Instagram on Thursday night the family had received flowers from Jordan.
"Flowers from someone extremely special. Thank you Michael Jordan," Brooke wrote.
A special delivery from Michael Jordan. Photo / Instagram
Jordan and Warne first met back in 1994 at Nike headquarters in America. In 2020, when the world was gripped by The Last Dance documentary that followed Jordan and his Chicago Bulls during their wildly successful run of championships in the 1990s, Warne posted a throwback photo of the pair together on Instagram.
"Really enjoyed the first two episodes of the @jumpman23 documentary and bought back some great memories of hanging with the great MJ at Nike in the states!" he captioned the pic.
The photo went viral after being posted online, as fans fell in love with the sight of two GOATs (Greatest Of All Time) standing side-by-side.
An AFL tragic and diehard St Kilda fan, Warne had given Jordan a Sherrin, which he was seen holding in the happy snap.
Two GOATs. Photo / Instagram
A stack of A-list celebrities lined up to pay their respects to Warne on Wednesday night. Hollywood stars Eric Bana and Hugh Jackman made cameos, musical icons Sir Elton John, Chris Martin, Jon Stevens, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran performed in his honour, Kylie and Dannii Minogue passed on messages of their love and even surfing megastar Kelly Slater was involved, reminiscing on his friendship with The King.
Warne's ex-fiancee Liz Hurley was originally slated to be part of the memorial but Eddie McGuire, who acted as master of ceremonies, later revealed to news.com.au she was "too emotional" to send a video message.
"Elizabeth, like another major star and close friend, found it too emotional to encapsulate their feelings into a 30-second grab," McGuire said.
"She had sent out wonderful tributes and she and we didn't want to diminish her grief and love of the Warne family by doing so.
"In the end, her tribute was greater by not doing so, but by supporting the family and the production with her well wishes and support privately.
"We respected her wishes and completely understand her feelings. There was nothing but warmth and respect throughout the process."
While Hurley didn't appear publicly on the night, she later posted messages of love and support on social media posts from Warne's kids. On a video Jackson posted of his speech, the British actress commented: "I love you Jackson. The Lion would be proud of you. See you soon."
Brooke also posted about "The most extraordinary night sending off our extraordinary Dad", to which Hurley replied: "Your speech was magical. I love you and see you soon. SW23 FOREVER."
