'Shane Warne was becoming someone like Richie Benaud behind the mic' - Nathan Lyon pays homage to Shane Warne

Shane Warne will go down in history as one of the legends in the game of cricket. When he retired in 2007, he had 708 Test wickets to his name in 145 matches. He is only behind Muttiah Muralitharan who ended his Test career with 800 wickets, the most by a bowler in the longest format of the game.

Warne holds the record for picking up the most wickets by a bowler in the Ashes (195 wickets from 36 Tests). After retiring as a player, Warne took up commentary and enthralled fans with his excellent knowledge of the game.

This year's Ashes won't feature Shane Warne as the legend passed away last year, at the age of 52. His management company informed in a statement that he died of a suspected heart attack while enjoying a vacation in Thailand. 

Australia's premier spinner in the red-ball format at the moment, Nathan Lyon, recently revealed how much Warne will be missed during the Ashes this year. Lyon praised Warne's commentary skills and even compared him to the legendary commentator Richie Benaud.

"It's going to be very different and have sadness around it, not hearing his voice. He was becoming someone like Richie Benaud behind the mic, with the knowledge that he was able to pass to us and also the public," Nathan Lyon was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Nathan Lyon hopes to make Shane Warne proud

Nathan Lyon will have to play a key role as Australia look to retain the Ashes against a dangerous English side. The 35-year-old hoped that he and his teammates will play well in the Ashes and make Warne proud.

"He will be missed like he's missed every day in the cricket world, but hopefully as Australian cricketers and Australian spinners, we can go out there and make him proud," he added.

The first of the five Tests in the Ashes is scheduled to be played at Edgbaston from June 16-20. Australia are the current holders of the coveted Ashes trophy. They defeated England 4-0 back home in the 2021-2022 season.