On This Day: Late Shane Warne, Ian Healy engage in mid-innings conversation before wicket-taking delivery; Watch

Over the years, the late Shane Warne had not only become synonimous with his cricketing skills, but also for his adept use of psychological tactics.

In the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the 1995/96 series, a memorable incident unfolded that has since become one of the most talked about incidents. As the last over of the day was being bowled to Pakistan batter Basit Ali, Shane Warne and wicketkeeper Ian Healy engaged in a conversation in the middle of the pitch.

Whatever transpired between the two, Warne bowled a perfect delivery that pitched outside the leg stump, turned a mile and clattered into the stumps. Contrary to expectations, the conversation, that was recalled later by Warne, was more casual. “‘Heals, what are we doing for dinner tonight, mate?'” Warne had said about the conversation. The discussion revolved around dinner plans—pasta or Mexican—and served the purpose of deliberately delaying play to annoy Basit Ali.

Cricket Australia shared a video of the incident on ‘X’:

Pure theatre from the King of Spin!