Warne pledges a million for Galle Stadium

Shane Warne has promised a generous amount to help rebuild the ground at Galle © Getty Images

Shane Warne has pledged US$1million to help rebuild Galle Stadium, according to the curator of the ground. Warne was touring areas ravaged by the tsunami, and was awe-struck when he saw the extent of damage the tsunami had done to the venue, where he took his 500th Test wicket almost a year ago.

The stadium holds special memories for Warne, who bowled Australia to a 245-run victory with a ten-wicket haul on his comeback to Test cricket following a 12-month drug ban. Jayananda Warnaweera, the curator, said that Warne had promised an initial payment from the Shane Warne Foundation to help rebuild the stadium. The Australian also expressed his desire to extend his help anytime the need arose. Warne was accompanied by Brad Grapsas, the CEO of his foundation, and Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene and Hashan Tillakaratne.