Former England all-rounder Ian Botham has said that
the Australian spin wizard Shane Warne is the greatest player to have
graced the game of cricket, sources said.
"In my opinion Shane Warne is the greatest cricketer who's ever lived,"
the legendary all-rounder said.
Warne, who announced his retirement after Australia
reclaimed the Ashes from England taking a 3-0 lead in the five-Test series,
is being described as the second greatest cricketer of all time behind Sir Donald
Bradman, but Botham said the spin-magician deserved the highest accolade.
"I'm sorry, but I can't judge people who played 30 or 40 years before
I was born because I think you can only really comment on what you've seen first
hand.
"And of the players I've seen, Warnie is out on his own," Botham
was quoted as saying by the 'Herald Sun'.
Botham appreciated Warne for signing off in style when he was still on the
top of his career.
"Just like the showman he is, with the job done, the stage set and the
applause raining down he is making his exit and all I can say is well done mate,"
Ian said.
"He made the difficult choice once the Ashes were won and I think that
is absolutely right. He has given cricket and Ashes cricket in particular everything
he could have and he is going out on top, as he deserves," Botham added.
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