Cricket:Shane Warne reckons his incredible opening day to the fourth Ashes Test was one of the best of his life after becoming the first cricketer in history to claim 700 wickets.
The 37-year-old leg spinner needed one wicket to reach the milestone in his final Test at his home ground and achieved it with his 20th delivery by bowling England opener Andrew Strauss.
That wicket sparked jubilant celebrations throughout the 89,155 Boxing Day crowd and Warne went on to claim five for 39, the 37th five-wicket haul of his career, as England collapsed to 159 all out after winning the toss.
Australia reached 48 for two by the close of a rain-hit day, but for Warne it was one of the most memorable day's of his career, which is due to finish after this series.
"As it turned out, whoever writes my scripts is doing an unbelievable job," said Warne. "I've just been sitting there since we started batting just shaking my head - I can't believe it happened to be honest. It was a pretty amazing day.
"How it's all panned out to retire and then have two games left and come to Melbourne on 699 wickets with the Ashes already in the bag, is amazing.
"I thought the quickies bowled really well today, but then to come on when I did and knock over Strauss and then we cleaned the rest up was something else.
"There are some special things that happen in your life and there are some special days in your life and that's definitely one of them. The birth of your children, getting married, playing in your first Test are all pretty special but that one today, from an individual point of view, has got to be one of the best days I've ever had."
Warne's efforts ensured England collapsed from a comfortable 101 for two to lose their last eight wickets for 58 runs in 29 overs with Strauss top-scoring with 50, his first half-century of the series.
But Strauss admitted that his role in history was little consolation to an England side who once again find themselves having to fight back into the game.
"There are probably 699 other guys who probably felt pretty bad after getting out to Shane Warne and I'm no different to them," he said. "It's a great achievement for him and something that will live long in a lot of people's memories but probably not mine.
"There was an amazing roar from the crowd when it happened and it was a great moment for a great bowler, but from my point of view it's not much consolation as you're trudging off the ground."
Speaking specifically about his 700th wicket, Warne added on Sky Sports News: "I said to Glenn McGrath I would get him (Strauss) bowled through the gate trying to sweep but he was sweeping it pretty well.
"So I slowed it up and he went for a drive and it couldn't have worked out any better.
"Just to be here and out there today and get the wickets was something special."