As a proud sporting nation punching above our weight on the international stage, Australia loves a winner but we love a character even more. From the pool to the pitch, from the SCG to the MCG, from Olympians to Immortals and Invincibles, we savour their successes and forgive their failings because they're one of ours and one of us. The ability to scale the greatest of heights while still remaining grounded is one only a rare breed of sportspeople and celebrities have mastered - and those who have hold a special place in our hearts.
When we lose one of these icons, we feel like we've lost a little piece of our identity.
So it was that news of Shane Warne's passing on March 4 at the age of 52 sent shock waves through not only the Baggy Green brotherhood but the entire nation.
The Spin King had long since retired from Test cricket but remained a part of our lives through his high-profile relationships, his poker playing prowess, his gin, his mesmerising highlight reels and his commentary work, most recently on the 2021-22 Ashes series, won so convincingly by Australia.
In many ways, it's fitting that the final Test series Warnie witnessed was the time-honoured battle between Australia and England, the benchmark by which all cricketers from both countries are measured.
After making an inglorious Test debut against India in 1992 Shane Warne quickly found his feet with a seven-wicket haul against the West Indies, and by the time he arrived in England for his first Ashes series in 1993 he was ready to unleash some new tricks on the old enemy.
With England cruising at 1-80 in their first innings, Australian captain Mark Taylor threw the cherry to his blond leg-spinner, who would etch his name in Ashes folklore with his very first ball, a spitting cobra of a delivery which pitched outside leg stump, turned viciously, and clipped Mike Gatting's off stump.
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