[Watch] When Shane Warne predicted Brendon McCullum's stroke in a BBL match and bowled him
The late Shane Warne is often referred to as the spin wizard for he could produce magic with the ball in hand. It wasn't surprising then that he had a stellar international career during which he claimed 708 wickets in 145 Test matches and 293 scalps in 194 ODIs. Even though he never played T20 internationals, Warne featured in 73 T20 games and picked up 70 wickets at an average of 26.61.
Apart from being a master with the ball in hand, he was also a showman on the cricket field. The wily leggie didn't mind playing mind games with the batter even when he was on the back foot and enjoyed some of his wickets with extravagant celebrations, having undone the batter with his guile.
In a Big Bash League (BBL) match back in 2011, Warne went one step ahead. While wearing a microphone and interacting with commentators, he predicted the kind of stroke the batter would play and knocked him over after revealing the kind of delivery he would bowl to counter the shot.
The amazing incident took place in Brisbane when the legendary leg-spinner was representing Melbourne Stars against Brisbane Heat. The batter who fell prey to Warne's genius was none other than former New Zealand captain and current England Test coach Brendon McCullum.
As Warne prepared to bowl the third ball in the 10th over of the innings during Brisbane Heat's chase, a commentator asked him:
"What about to McCullum, Shane?"
The late spin legend replied:
"Maybe he'll try to shape a sweep after that first one or maybe go inside out again a bit harder. So, wanna try and slide one in there, fast."
As predicted by Warne, McCullum went for a sweep, missed a slider, and was clean bowled. The ball pitched around the middle and leg stump area and spun back sharply to hit the off stump.
Watch video below
McCullum was looking in ominous form out in the middle in that particular match but was taken out by Warne for 36 off 25 balls.
Brisbane Heat fell short in a chase of 178 after Warne bowled McCullum
Chasing 178 against Melbourne Stars, Brisbane Heat had lost Matthew Hayden for 22 and Chris Lynn for 13. Both fell to Clint McKay (3-22) as the chasing side were reduced to 59-2 in the sixth over.
Brisbane Heat had high hopes from keeper-batter McCullum, who was looking in good touch out in the middle. His dismissal, however, left the side trouble at 85-3. Michael Neser contributed 30 off 21 and Ryan Harris 25 off 20. Their efforts were in vain, though, as Brisbane Heat finished on 169-7.