Shane Warne and Ian Healy were involved in a conversation just moments before the former dismissed Pakistan’s Basit Ali in a Test match in Sydney in 1995. Image: Screengrab from cricket.com.au
Over the years, the late Shane Warne had not only become synonimous with his cricketing skills, but also for his adept use of psychological tactics.
In the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the 1995/96 series, a memorable incident unfolded that has since become one of the most talked about incidents. As the last over of the day was being bowled to Pakistan batter Basit Ali, Shane Warne and wicketkeeper Ian Healy engaged in a conversation in the middle of the pitch.
Whatever transpired between the two, Warne bowled a perfect delivery that pitched outside the leg stump, turned a mile and clattered into the stumps. Contrary to expectations, the conversation, that was recalled later by Warne, was more casual. “‘Heals, what are we doing for dinner tonight, mate?’” Warne had said about the conversation. The discussion revolved around dinner plans—pasta or Mexican—and served the purpose of deliberately delaying play to annoy Basit Ali.
Cricket Australia shared a video of the incident on ‘X’:
Pure theatre from the King of Spin! 👑#OnThisDay in 1995 Shane Warne kept Pakistan’s Basit Ali waiting for the final ball in Sydney, calling Ian Healy down for a mid-pitch chat. What happened next is part of Warnie’s legend #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/vSiEXlvpYj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 2, 2023
Towards the back end of the conversation, Healy encouraged Warne to take action, saying, “‘C’mon, just do something, bowl him around his legs or through ’em … just do something.’”
This was when Warne bowled the perfect leggie and got Basit Ali out bowled from behind his legs.
Commentator Richie Benaud humorously remarked, “You wouldn’t believe it, he’s done him between his legs.” Reflecting on the incident, Warne noted, “We couldn’t stop laughing.” It was a masterful display of Warne’s trickery at its best.
Shane Warne ended his Test career with 708 wickets and was the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history. Warne made a significant impact at the age of 24 with his iconic ‘ball of the century,’ dismissing Mike Gatting at Old Trafford in 1993.
He retired from the game in 2013, Warne represented Australia in 145 Test matches. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he picked up 293 wickets across 194 appearances. Additionally, Shane Warne led the Rajasthan Royals to their inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2008, claiming 57 wickets in 55 matches during his IPL stint.
On 4 March, 2022, Warne passed away aged 52, due to a suspected heart-attack while holidaying in Thailand.
